SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 217
	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to 
welcome the leaders of Beaumont to Austin on February 25, 2003, 
and to join them in celebrating Beaumont Day at the State Capitol;
and
	WHEREAS, Located on the Neches River, Beaumont was 
established in 1835 on 50 acres purchased by Henry Millard; lumber
products, rice farming, and cattle ranching were the basis for 
the town's early economy, and the Port of Beaumont became a 
shipping center for cattle, sugar cane, and cotton; and
	WHEREAS, On January 10, 1901, the discovery of oil 
at Spindletop created a new energy industry and made Beaumont 
the first Texas boomtown; 600 oil companies were established 
during the boom, including Texaco, Gulf, and Humble; the city 
has remained one of the world's largest petrochemical and 
refining complexes; it also enjoys a thriving economy based on 
agriculture, customer service centers, and precision industrial 
equipment supplies companies; and
	WHEREAS, The county seat of Jefferson County, Beaumont 
is known as the Museum Capital of Texas; its 24 museums include 
the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, the Texas Energy Museum, and 
the John Jay French Museum, which is the oldest surviving 
residence in the city; new attractions include the Crockett 
Street entertainment district in the restored downtown and the 
Southeast entertainment complex on Interstate 10; and
	WHEREAS, The city is located near the Big Thicket National
Preserve, providing residents and visitors many outdoor 
recreational opportunities; its proximity to the gulf also makes 
the region rich in beaches, lakes, parks, and marshlands; and
	WHEREAS, Beaumont is known for its resourceful and 
energetic citizens, and they deserve recognition for preserving 
their city's past and can look forward to its promising future; 
now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
78th Legislature, hereby pay tribute to the fine people of 
Beaumont and declare February 25, 2003, Beaumont Day at the 
State Capitol; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the 
City of Beaumont 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 February 25, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate