By Seaman                                              H.R. No. 142
         77R4313 MW-F                           
                                 R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is proud to join
 1-2     the citizens of Aransas County in the joyous celebration of Aransas
 1-3     County Day at the State Capitol on February 21, 2001; and
 1-4           WHEREAS, Located on the southern Coastal Plains, the county
 1-5     was created from Refugio County in 1871 and was named for Rio
 1-6     Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu, which had taken its name from a famed
 1-7     Spanish palace; and
 1-8           WHEREAS, Its prime location has helped Aransas County to
 1-9     flourish, and it continues to contribute greatly to the state's
1-10     fiscal prosperity; the county enjoys a strong and diversified
1-11     economic base, with agribusiness, tourism, oil and gas production,
1-12     and fish packing as its major industries; and
1-13           WHEREAS, Residents of Aransas County are justifiably proud of
1-14     the region's rich heritage; the Karankawa Indians once made their
1-15     home in this verdant setting, and Spanish explorer Diego Ortiz
1-16     Parrilla traveled across the area in 1766 on an expedition along
1-17     the Gulf Coast; since that time, countless others have been drawn
1-18     to the region's abundant supply of natural and cultural resources;
1-19     and
1-20           WHEREAS, Aransas County is also home to the Fulton Mansion
1-21     State Historic Structure, a three-story, Second Empire house built
1-22     by rancher and businessman George W. Fulton, Sr.; the unusual
1-23     house, which features innovative heating, ventilating, and
1-24     food-preservation systems, was added to the National Register of
 2-1     Historic Places in 1975 and is maintained as a museum by the Texas
 2-2     Parks and Wildlife Department; and
 2-3           WHEREAS, Outdoor sports enthusiasts have come to partake in
 2-4     the wide variety of activities offered at Goose Island State Park,
 2-5     Copano Bay State Fishing Pier, and Rockport Beach, and many
 2-6     bird-watchers and nature lovers have made their stay in the area
 2-7     complete with a visit to the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, the
 2-8     principal wintering ground of the endangered whooping crane; and
 2-9           WHEREAS, Individuals of all ages enjoy the many celebrations
2-10     hosted in the community throughout the year, including Oyster Fest,
2-11     Fiesta en la Playa, the Hummer/Bird Celebration, Seafair, the
2-12     Fourth of July Fireworks and Art Festival, and the Children's
2-13     Christmas Tree; and
2-14           WHEREAS, Rich in culture and tradition, Aransas County is a
2-15     prosperous, forward-looking region and a leading participant in the
2-16     state's dynamic growth, and it gives the members of this chamber
2-17     great pleasure to join with our fellow citizens in saluting this
2-18     fine Texas county; now, therefore, be it
2-19           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas
2-20     Legislature hereby recognize February 21, 2001, as Aransas County
2-21     Day at the State Capitol and extend warmest best wishes to all its
2-22     citizens on this noteworthy occasion.