SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 234
	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes pleasure
in designating March 11, 2003, as Walker County Day at the
State Capitol; and
	WHEREAS, The Walker County area was explored and settled
in the early 1830s by a number of pioneer families, many of whom 
obtained Mexican land grants, and the county was formed in
April, 1846; and
	WHEREAS, Walker County developed into a prosperous, 
flourishing region prior to the Civil War due in part to the 
establishment of the state penitentiary, Andrew Female College, 
and Austin College, now Sam Houston State University; Huntsville 
became the county seat on January 19, 1853; and
	WHEREAS, General Sam Houston, victor at the battle at
San Jacinto and first president of the Republic of Texas, was 
attracted to the wooded ambience and peaceful lifestyle of the 
area and built his home a half mile from the town square in 
Huntsville; and
	WHEREAS, A statue of Sam Houston was completed in 1994; 
standing 67 feet tall on a 10-foot base, it is the world's tallest 
statue of an American hero and serves as a fitting tribute to the 
accomplished statesman who helped make Texas a state and who 
served as a United States senator and as governor of Texas; and
	WHEREAS, A flourishing timber industry followed the 
arrival of the railroads in the 1870s; today, with increased 
enrollment at Sam Houston State University, additional Texas 
Department of Criminal Justice units, and several new business 
enterprises, Walker County and Huntsville continue to attract 
new residents; and
	WHEREAS, Visitors can explore the Sam Houston Memorial 
Museum and Park Complex and other historic sites; campers, 
fishermen, hiking enthusiasts, and other outdoor fans flock to 
the area's parks, including Sam Houston National Forest and 
Huntsville State Park; and
	WHEREAS, Walker County Day provides an opportunity to 
honor the 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 March 11, 2003, as
Walker County Day at the State Capitol and join citizens of this
historic and vital region in paying tribute to this wonderful 
county; and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
the residents of Walker County as a token of esteem from the
Texas Senate.
                                                                           Ogden




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on March 11, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate