SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 55

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes pleasure
in designating January 27, 2003, as Orange County Day at the
State Capitol; and
	WHEREAS, Bordered by the Sabine and Neches rivers in
East Texas, Orange County was established in 1852 from a portion 
of Jefferson County; the county was named for the wild orange 
groves that graced the banks of the Sabine River during the days 
of the French and Spanish settlements; and
	WHEREAS, The area grew steadily as a strategic link between 
the eastern and the western parts of this vast country; Orange, 
the county seat, served as a port for ships sailing the Sabine 
River with cotton as the prevalent cargo; lumber, cattle, and 
agriculture also were important in the growth and development of 
the area; and
	WHEREAS, The city took a huge step forward in 1914, when 
the harbor was dredged to accommodate large ships; the operation 
was a great improvement to water transportation facilities and 
enabled the construction of ships during World War I; and
	WHEREAS, The shipyards were active again during World War II, 
and more than 400 vessels were built for the war efforts; the USS 
Orleck, the Gearing Class destroyer commissioned in 1945, served in 
Korea, Vietnam, and the Gulf War; after being in the service of 
Turkey from 1982 to 1998, the ship was returned to its birthplace 
and today is part of the Southeast Texas War Memorial and Heritage 
Foundation as a museum docked in the Sabine River in downtown 
Orange; and
	WHEREAS, Orange County is well established as a hub of 
industrial activity; along with the healthy timber-processing 
and shipping-related industries, the county is renowned for its 
production of petrochemicals, a sector that has spawned a 
spectacular stretch of steel, glass, catwalks, and flames; and
	WHEREAS, Over the years, industrial development and 
population growth in the county have been managed with care in 
order to preserve natural habitats and historical sites; the 
forests, grasslands, rivers, marshes, and easy access to the
Gulf of Mexico offer opportunities for hunting, fishing, and 
water sports to make Orange County a desirable recreational area; 
and
	WHEREAS, It offers its citizens a well-rounded community 
life; the county seat is home to a number of cultural and 
historical resources, theaters, and museums; the Shangri La, a  
250-acre private reserve with a unique ecosystem is being 
restored and will include a nature center for study and research; 
and
	WHEREAS, Among the historic sites in the county seat is the 
First Presbyterian Church, an outstanding example of classic 
Greek Revival architecture; completed in 1912, it recently was 
added to the National Register of Historic Places; and
	WHEREAS, Tourists are also attracted to Orange County by a 
number of festivals and events held yearly to celebrate the 
bounty of the area; the Annual International Gumbo Cook-Off, the


Mauriceville Crawfish Festival, the Orangefield Crab and 
Crawfish Festival, and the Vidor Bar-B-Q Festival draw thousands 
of people each year; and
	WHEREAS, Orange County Day in Austin provides an 
opportunity for friends and families to honor Orange County's 
past and its many assets, which today are enjoyed by residents 
and vacationers of all ages; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
78th Legislature, hereby recognize January 27, 2003, as
Orange County Day at the State Capitol and join citizens of this 
historic and vital region in paying tribute to this fine county; 
and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
the residents of Orange County as an expression of esteem from 
the Texas Senate.
                                                                        Williams




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on January 27, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate