SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 291

	WHEREAS, Many proud residents of Starr County have 
gathered in Austin to celebrate Starr County Day at the State 
Capitol, and this notable event offers an ideal opportunity to 
recognize the many fine attributes of this county; and
	WHEREAS, Starr County was formed in 1848 and named for
Dr. James Harper Starr of the Republic of Texas, who served as 
postmaster general for the Confederacy; and
	WHEREAS, Rio Grande City, the county seat, is located
in the heart of Los Caminos del Rio Heritage Corridor, which 
contains numerous architectural and historical treasures from 
the 18th and 19th centuries; and
	WHEREAS, Roma, the second largest city in Starr County, was 
founded in 1765 as a Spanish colonial town, and with a number of 
19th century structures still standing, it is one of the best 
remaining Spanish colonial townsites in the lower Rio Grande 
Valley; the city was designated a national historic district and 
was used in the filming of Viva Zapata, starring Marlon Brando; 
and
	WHEREAS, La Grulla, founded in 1780 by Spanish pioneers, 
takes its name from the Spanish word for crane; at one time the 
Oblate Trail between Brownsville and Laredo passed through
La Grulla; and
	WHEREAS, Residents and visitors alike are drawn to the 
attractions of the county, including Fort Ringgold, the Lady of 
Lourdes Grotto, the Roma Historical Museum, the International 
Falcon Reservoir, and Las Palomas State Wildlife Management 
Area, and many attend popular annual events, such as the
Starr County Fair and the Fourth of July Parade and Festival; and
	WHEREAS, The people of Starr County can take pride in the 
rich history of their community as they embrace the challenges 
and opportunities that lie ahead; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
78th Legislature, hereby recognize March 13, 2003, as
Starr County Day at the State Capitol and extend best wishes
to the members of the visiting delegation for an enjoyable and 
memorable stay in Austin.
                                                                       Zaffirini




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on March 13, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate