78R7612 KMP-D

By:  Canales                                                      H.R. No. 406



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, The residents of Live Oak County have a fascinating 
history that adds to the important cultural and economic 
contributions they are making to the Lone Star State; and
	WHEREAS, Settled perhaps more than 10,000 years ago by the 
first residents of Texas, the county was at various times inhabited 
by Indian tribes and later by Spanish and Mexican colonists as well 
as Irish immigrants; this diverse population faced grave challenges 
during the Texas Revolution, as expeditions launched by Mexico 
clashed with local residents and ownership of the land between the 
Nueces and the Rio Grande was hotly contested by Mexico and the 
Republic of Texas; and
	WHEREAS, Live Oak County was officially formed on February 2, 
1856, when the Texas Legislature created it from the counties of San 
Patricio and Nueces, naming it for the tree which was found over 
much of that region; and
	WHEREAS, The county's population grew rapidly as its citizens 
focused their efforts on building successful cattle and sheep 
ranches; at the turn of the century, agriculture continued to 
dominate the region's economy, with cotton playing an important 
role in the lives of Live Oak residents, raising land prices, 
encouraging subdivision of land, and bringing new wealth and 
immigrants to the area; the resilience of county citizens was 
evident once again in the 1930s, when the discovery of oil and 
natural gas helped offset the combined effects of the Great 
Depression and the declining cotton market; and
	WHEREAS, This South Texas county, inhabited by about 12,000 
people, is situated on the brushy plains between San Antonio and 
Corpus Christi and is traversed by the meandering Frio, Nueces, and 
Atascosa rivers, as well as by many smaller tributaries; 
additionally, it is home to such attractions as Lake Corpus Christi 
and Choke Canyon State Park; and
	WHEREAS, The residents of Live Oak County are justifiably 
proud of their fine communities, including George West, the county 
seat, Three Rivers, Dinero, Lagarto, Oakville, Pernitas Point, and 
Whitsett, and it is a great pleasure to unite with our fellow Texans 
in saluting this notable Texas county; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby recognize March 10, 2003, as Live Oak County Day 
at the State Capitol and extend to its citizens warmest best wishes 
for a memorable and enjoyable visit.