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78R6342 MW-D
By: Merritt 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.