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78R19600 KMP-D
By: Escobar H.R. No. 1919
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Willacy County was formed in 1911 from Cameron and
Hidalgo counties, though its history dates back to the days of the
Coahuiltecan Indians; and
WHEREAS, Since the early 1930s, farming has dominated the
economy, which relies on the successful harvest of such crops as
oranges and Bermuda onions; oranges were brought to the area by a
ranchman named Cantú around 1886 from Montemorelos, Mexico, and
Bermuda onions were brought to the area by Milt White in 1912; the
crop became a major agricultural product of the area and was
celebrated at an annual onion festival that bore the slogan "The
Breath of a Nation"; and
WHEREAS, In 1940, the abundance of crops gave rise to a
migrant farm labor camp near Raymondville, and seasonal farm work
became an important occupation for the humble families in the
district and in nearby communities; and
WHEREAS, Today the major towns of Willacy County include
Lyford, Raymondville, Sebastian, San Perlita, and Port Mansfield;
and
WHEREAS, Willacy County is home to many dedicated elected
officials, public employees, and community leaders, who over the
years have carried out their public service with distinction that
is too seldom acknowledged; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 78th Texas
Legislature hereby honor the elected officials, public employees,
community leaders, and citizens of Willacy County for their many
outstanding contributions to Texas and the United States of
America.