78R4734 JH-D

By:  Pitts                                                      H.C.R. No. 60 



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, Many proud residents of Ellis County are gathered in 
Austin to celebrate Ellis County Day at the State Capitol, and this 
festive event offers an ideal opportunity to recognize the county's 
many fine attributes; and
	WHEREAS, Located in North Central Texas and including the 
rich soils of the Blackland Belt, the 953 square miles of Ellis 
County landscape vary from gently rolling terrain to a level plain; 
and
	WHEREAS, Created by the state legislature in 1849, Ellis 
County takes its name from Richard Ellis, president of the 
convention that declared Texas' independence from Mexico; in 1850 
the first Ellis County Court authorized an expenditure of $59 for 
the construction of a courthouse; that structure was replaced in 
1895 with an elaborate red sandstone and granite building still in 
use today and celebrated as one of the most beautiful historic 
public buildings in Texas; and
	WHEREAS, The arrival of the railroad in 1871 stimulated 
agricultural production, and in the early 20th century Ellis County 
ranked as one of the chief cotton-growing areas in the country; 
today the county's diversified economy rests on agribusiness, 
commerce, and industry; the city of Midlothian, home to such firms 
as Chapparral Steel Company, Texas Industries, Holcim Texas, and 
Ash Grove Cement LP, has been designated the Cement and Steel 
Capital of Texas; and
	WHEREAS, The people of Ellis County, eager to preserve their 
heritage, have begun the process of restoring many historic homes 
and landmarks to their original grandeur, and a number of 
communities have participated in the Texas Main Street Project, a 
program to rehabilitate and revitalize historic downtown and 
commercial districts; and
	WHEREAS, Waxahachie, the county seat, is affectionately 
known as the Gingerbread City because of its lovingly maintained 
Victorian homes, many of them framed by the colorful trees and 
shrubs that have also caused the town to be known as the Crape 
Myrtle Capital of Texas; and
	WHEREAS, Waxahachie is home as well to one of the few 
remaining Chautauqua auditoriums; constructed at the dawn of the 
20th century, the hall hosted cultural and religious events and 
continues to draw thousands of visitors each year; and
	WHEREAS, Ennis, situated in the eastern part of the county, 
was designated the Bluebonnet Capital of Texas by the Texas 
Legislature in 1997; a cultural center for descendants of Czech 
farmers who first settled on the Blackland Prairie in 1875, Ennis is 
the site of the National Polka Festival, as well as the Texas 
Motorplex, a professional and amateur track that offers world-class 
auto racing; and
	WHEREAS, Ennis's progressive economic environment has 
attracted industries such as Sterilite Corporation, Elk Roofing, 
Leggett & Platt, Inc., Atlas Soundolier, Ennis Steel Industries, 
Inc., Lowe's Distribution Center, CVS Pharmacy Distribution 
Center, and a state-of-the-art power plant, Ennis-Tractebel 
Electricity and Gas International; and
	WHEREAS, Known as the "Gateway to Ellis County," the city of 
Red Oak balances the charm and comfort of small-town life with 
convenient access to the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport 
and the metroplex; with a thriving local economy, sustained 
residential growth, a low crime rate, and an award-winning school 
district, which has earned "Recognized" status, this community is 
an ideal place in which to live, work, and raise a family; and
	WHEREAS, For several decades, prime movie locations in Ellis 
County have drawn film production crews, and the Los Angeles Film 
Makers Association has recognized Waxahachie as "The Best Little 
Hollywood in Texas" and as "Vintage America in Mint Condition"; and
	WHEREAS, Visitors and residents alike can learn about the 
region's past while touring the Ellis County Museum, the Railroad 
and Cultural Heritage Museum, and the Larkin Newton Cabin, all of 
which showcase myriad antiques and artifacts that tell the 
captivating story of Ellis County; and
	WHEREAS, Ellis County is one of the Lone Star State's great 
assets, and even as its dynamic citizens reflect with satisfaction 
on their proud accomplishments, they can also look forward with 
anticipation to the new challenges and opportunities that lie 
ahead; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 78th Legislature of the State of Texas 
hereby recognize March 4, 2003, as Ellis County Day at the State 
Capitol and extend best wishes to all Ellis County citizens for a 
bright and prosperous future.