78R5290 JH-D

By:  Deshotel                                                     H.R. No. 241



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, On February 25, 2003, many fine Texans have traveled 
to Austin to celebrate Beaumont Day at the State Capitol, and it is 
a privilege to welcome them at this time; and
	WHEREAS, Situated along the west bank of the Neches River, 
just 30 miles upstream from the Gulf of Mexico, Beaumont was made 
the seat of Jefferson County in 1838; throughout the remainder of 
the 19th century, the community developed as a trading center for 
lumber, cattle, and agricultural products; and
	WHEREAS, The Anthony F. Lucas Gusher erupted at Spindletop 
Hill, just south of Beaumont, on January 10, 1901, and changed the 
course of history for this Southeast Texas town; in the years that 
followed, some 600 oil companies were created in the city, 
including such industry leaders as Texaco, Exxon, and Mobil Oil, 
and Beaumont became one of the state's most important oil-producing 
centers; and
	WHEREAS, The Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum 
commemorates this event and provides visitors with a glimpse of 
what life was like in the world's first oil boomtown; the museum 
site features a post office, saloon, livery stable, blacksmith 
shop, and surveyor's office all in typical clapboard style, as well 
as wooden oil derricks and a monument to the Lucas Gusher; and
	WHEREAS, While based in large part on the petroleum and 
petrochemical industries, Beaumont's economy also encompasses 
shipbuilding and port activities, government offices and services, 
and rice milling; and
	WHEREAS, Rich in history, Beaumont is committed to preserving 
its heritage for both residents and visitors alike; among the 
city's many attractions are the Babe Didrikson Zaharias Museum and 
Visitors Center, the Clifton Steamboat Museum, the French Historic 
House and Museum, the Texas Energy Museum, the Tyrrell Historical 
Library, and numerous art galleries; and
	WHEREAS, An educational as well as cultural center, Beaumont 
is home to the main campus of Lamar University, whose extensive 
contributions to the city's vitality include a well-regarded and 
thriving film festival; in addition, the city serves as a base for 
numerous outdoor pursuits, with the internationally acclaimed Big 
Thicket National Preserve offering myriad opportunities for 
relaxation and enjoyment; and
	WHEREAS, Blessed with an abundance of natural resources and a 
dedicated citizenry, the city of Beaumont is destined to continue 
on its path to success, and its residents can undoubtedly look 
forward to a bright and promising future for their community; now, 
therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby recognize February 25, 2003, as Beaumont Day at 
the State Capitol and extend to the delegation with us today sincere 
best wishes for a memorable and meaningful visit.