R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, February 21, 2001, is Caldwell County Day at the
 1-2     State Capitol, and this outstanding occasion provides a perfect
 1-3     opportunity to pay tribute to this fine community; and
 1-4           WHEREAS, Located in south central Texas 30 miles south of
 1-5     Austin, Caldwell County was created in 1848 and named after Matthew
 1-6     Caldwell, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence; and
 1-7           WHEREAS, The economy of the county was initially based in
 1-8     livestock, and following the Civil War thousands of head of cattle
 1-9     were driven north on the Chisholm Trail and other trails in the
1-10     county; by the 1890s, cotton became a principal commodity, due in
1-11     large part to farmer A. D. Mebane, who discovered new strains of
1-12     cotton that thrived in less fertile soil; and
1-13           WHEREAS, In 1922, the economic face of Caldwell County again
1-14     shifted, this time because of the discovery of oil in the Prairie
1-15     Lea and Luling area; today, the production of oil and gas remains
1-16     an important industry in the county, as do such mainstays as
1-17     farming, ranching, and manufacturing; and
1-18           WHEREAS, This geographically diverse region also offers ample
1-19     opportunities for fishing, boating, hunting, and a wide variety of
1-20     other outdoor activities; the county seat, Lockhart, was recognized
1-21     by the house as the Barbecue Capital of Texas in 1999, and Caldwell
1-22     County also boasts many architectural attractions, including a
1-23     beautifully restored courthouse and the oldest continuously
1-24     operated library and the oldest Episcopal Church in Texas; and
 2-1           WHEREAS, Caldwell County has long been a superb place in
 2-2     which to live, work, and raise a family, and it is truly a
 2-3     privilege to recognize this community at this time; now, therefore,
 2-4     be it
 2-5           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas
 2-6     Legislature hereby recognize February 21, 2001, as Caldwell County
 2-7     Day at the State Capitol and extend to its visiting delegation
 2-8     sincere best wishes for an enjoyable observance.
                                                                       Green
                                             _______________________________
                                                   Speaker of the House
               I certify that H.R. No. 238 was adopted by the House on
         February 21, 2001, by a non-record vote.
                                             _______________________________
                                                 Chief Clerk of the House