SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 265

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to join 
the proud citizens of Victoria in celebrating Victoria Day at the 
State Capitol on Wednesday, March 5, 2003; and

	WHEREAS, The City of Victoria and Victoria County have 
a proud history; one of the highlights of its distinctive and 
colorful story occurred in 1824 when the Republic of Mexico 
approved Don Martin DeLeon's request for a large land grant 
on the lower Guadalupe River; and

	WHEREAS, A highly respected Mexican citizen, 
Don Martin DeLeon received permission to establish the town of 
Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe de Jesus Victoria with 41 families; 
and

	WHEREAS, The Main Street of the town was known then as 
La Calle de los Diez Amigos, or the street of the 10 friends, 
showing Don DeLeon's friendship with the principal citizens of 
the new town; and

	WHEREAS, After the 1836 revolution, the name of the 
town became Victoria, and the town was incorporated under the 
Republic of Texas in 1839; the first property taxes were assessed 
in 1843; and

	WHEREAS, Ranching was the first major enterprise in the 
area, and it brought in major capital needed for development; 
commercial ventures became successful, and by 1917, paved 
streets were becoming common; and

	WHEREAS, By the end of World War II, Victoria had become 
one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas; and

	WHEREAS, The city has a symphony orchestra, a fine arts 
association, museums, libraries, and the National Zoo of Texas, 
which is home to more than 200 native Texas animals and plants; 
and

	WHEREAS, Three major highways, railroads, and commercial 
airlines make Victoria easily accessible to major businesses; 
it is also located on a barge canal which is connected to the 
Gulf Intracoastal Waterway; as the Victoria County seat, the 
city serves as the commercial center of this thriving area; and

	WHEREAS, Victoria is home to excellent public schools, a 
number of major employers, a university, and a community college; 
the city offers first-rate medical care, and it is an inviting 
city with an expanding economy; and

	WHEREAS, Two of the city's qualities that appeal to all ages 
are big-city convenience and small-town friendliness; Victoria 
is an excellent town in which to live, work, and raise a family; and

	WHEREAS, It is indeed a pleasure and a privilege for the 
Texas Senate to honor this outstanding city and its fine citizens 
on the occasion of Victoria Day at the State Capitol; now, 
therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 
78th Legislature, hereby express appreciation to the citizens 
of Victoria for their many contributions to our state; and, 
be it further

	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
the city and county and its citizenry as a memento of this 
momentous day.
                                                                      Armbrister




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on March 5, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate