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