78R9045 MW-D

By:  Kolkhorst                                                    H.R. No. 543



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Citizens of Washington County are visiting the 
Capitol on March 25, 2003, to celebrate their rich heritage and the 
role their county has played in building the Lone Star State; and
	WHEREAS, Members of Stephen F. Austin's Old 300 began 
settling in the area of Washington County in 1821; in 1836, at 
Washington-on-the-Brazos, delegates signed the Texas Declaration 
of Independence and drafted a constitution for the new republic; 
later, from 1842 to 1845, this community served as the capital of 
the republic; and
	WHEREAS, Washington County was created in 1836 and organized 
the following year; situated on the Blackland Prairies, the region 
attracted substantial immigration and developed quickly; included 
in the flow of newcomers were Germans, Czechs, and Poles, who began 
arriving in the mid-19th century; and
	WHEREAS, The foundation of several colleges in the 1840s and 
1850s, among them Baylor University and a precursor to Southwestern 
University, testified to the dynamic nature of Washington County; 
today Blinn College, established in 1883 in Brenham, the county 
seat, carries on the county's early tradition of higher learning; 
and
	WHEREAS, An important part of this rich heritage of education 
is Brenham Independent School District (BISD), which ably serves 
the educational needs of more than 4,700 students in Washington 
County; the first public chartered school district in Texas, BISD 
is the proud home to Brenham High School, whose varsity football 
team won the 2002 district title and reached the final game of the 
4A high school playoffs; and
	WHEREAS, The region's natural beauty and its prominent role 
in early Texas history have made Washington County a popular 
destination for visitors who can wander its scenic country roads, 
enjoy the recreation afforded by Somerville Lake, and step into the 
past at the Brenham, Burton, Chappell Hill, and Texas Baptist 
museums; the Star of the Republic Museum, in 
Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historical Park, tells the story of 
the Texas Republic; and
	WHEREAS, Other popular attractions include the Blue Bell 
Creameries, an eight-acre antique rose garden, and a miniature 
horse farm; among the many festivals are the venerable Washington 
County Fair, Burton's Cotton Gin Festival, Chappell Hill's 
Bluebonnet and Scarecrow festivals, and Brenham's Maifest; and
	WHEREAS, The industrious residents of this vital Texas county 
are preserving the best of their past and looking forward to the 
challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and it is indeed a 
pleasure to honor them at this time; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas 
Legislature hereby recognize March 25, 2003, as Washington County 
Day at the State Capitol and extend to the delegation present on 
this day sincere best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable visit.