H.R. No. 309



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, On February 25, 2003, many proud residents of 
Kilgore are gathering in Austin to celebrate Kilgore Day at the 
State Capitol; and
	WHEREAS, Established in 1872 when the International-Great 
Northern Railroad built a line between Longview and Palestine, 
Kilgore was named for Constantine Buckley Kilgore, who was a 
delegate at the Constitutional Convention of 1875 and served as a 
state senator and U.S. congressman from the area; and
	WHEREAS, In its infancy, the city relied on its cotton crops 
to spur its economy; Kilgore underwent a dramatic transformation in 
1930 with the discovery of the East Texas oilfield, which helped to 
spark a boom that would see more than 1,100 oil-producing wells 
spring up in the city; one block of downtown Kilgore had the 
greatest concentration of derricks in the world and came to be known 
as the "World's Richest Acre"; and
	WHEREAS, Situated in south central Gregg County, Kilgore is 
today a town of 12,000 residents and has a multifaceted economy that 
revolves around petroleum, manufacturing, government, mining, 
tourism, and various other business enterprises; and
	WHEREAS, Throughout the year in Kilgore, residents and 
visitors are treated to fun and enriching experiences at the Texas 
Shakespeare Festival at Kilgore College, Derrick Fest, and the KTPB 
Fine Arts Festival, which concludes with Kids Fest; at the year's 
end, the Kilgore Chamber of Commerce hosts the spectacular Holiday 
Trail of Lights; and
	WHEREAS, Kilgore also features such diverse attractions as 
the East Texas Oil Museum, the World's Richest Acre Park, and 
Kilgore College; the home of the Kilgore Rangerettes, who are world 
renowned for their trademark high-kick routines, the college is 
also the site of the popular Rangerette Showcase; and
	WHEREAS, The citizens of Kilgore are embracing the myriad 
challenges and opportunities of the future while continuing to 
build on their colorful history and rich culture, making them great 
contributors to the Lone Star State and a source of pride for all 
Texans; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby recognize February 25, 2003, as Kilgore Day at 
the State Capitol and extend sincere best wishes to the delegation 
here today for an enjoyable and memorable visit.

                                                                         Merritt
                                                                          Hopson

                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 309 was adopted by the House on April 
3, 2003, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House