1-1                                     1                                  
 1-2                          SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 89
 1-3           WHEREAS, On Tuesday, February 27, 2001, Matagorda County Day
 1-4     will be celebrated by the proud citizens of Matagorda County, and
 1-5     the Texas Senate will pay tribute to the county for its many
 1-6     contributions to our state; and
 1-7           WHEREAS, Situated along the Gulf of Mexico between Brazoria
 1-8     and Calhoun counties, this lush county consists of more than
 1-9     1,100 square miles, including Matagorda Bay, and the land is
1-10     drained by the Colorado River, Caney Creek, and Tres Palacios
1-11     Creek; and
1-12           WHEREAS, Often called "The Cradle of Texas History,"
1-13     Matagorda County was first settled by people brought in under
1-14     the auspices of Stephen F. Austin; agriculture was the primary
1-15     source of income and the main crops were cotton and sugarcane;
1-16     after the Civil War, cattle ranching became the chief source of
1-17     income, since both the war and the boll weevil destroyed cotton
1-18     crops; and
1-19           WHEREAS, Railroad development became a major reason for the
1-20     growth of Matagorda County around 1898; Bay City was established
1-21     in 1894 and became the county seat; and
 2-1           WHEREAS, In a 1990 census, the total population of
 2-2     Matagorda County was around 37,000; the modern-day economy is
 2-3     based on agriculture, petrochemicals, nuclear power, plastics,
 2-4     oil and gas, and oilfield services; and
 2-5           WHEREAS, The recreational attractions of this area are
 2-6     manifold; major parks and the Gulf of Mexico provide ample
 2-7     opportunities for fishing, shrimping, and bird-watching; one
 2-8     of the county's ports is known as the Shrimp Capital of Texas,
 2-9     and for the last four years, the county has been credited with
2-10     having more species of birds than any other county in the
2-11     United States; and
2-12           WHEREAS, Numerous civic organizations sponsor annual events
2-13     each year; among these events are the Matagorda County Rodeo,
2-14     Blessing of the Fleet, Fisherman's Festival, Rice Festival,
2-15     and Market Days; two museums and many historical sites add to
2-16     the rich cultural heritage of the area; and
2-17           WHEREAS, The residents of Matagorda County are friendly
2-18     and hospitable and have made their county one of the outstanding
2-19     areas of the state and includes the Division I 4A state football
2-20     champions; and
2-21           WHEREAS, It is indeed a pleasure and a privilege for the
2-22     Texas Senate to honor this outstanding Texas county and its fine
2-23     citizens; now, therefore, be it
2-24           RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
 3-1     77th Legislature, hereby extend sincere congratulations to the
 3-2     citizens of Matagorda County on their special day and offer best
 3-3     wishes for a memorable and joyous celebration; and, be it further
 3-4           RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
 3-5     Matagorda County as a memento of this special day.
 3-6                                                              Armbrister
 3-7                                  ______________________________________
 3-8                                          President of the Senate
 3-9                                       I hereby certify that the above
3-10                                  Resolution was adopted by the Senate
3-11                                  on January 24, 2001.
3-12                                  ______________________________________
3-13                                          Secretary of the Senate
3-14                                  ______________________________________
3-15                                           Member, Texas Senate