SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 391
	WHEREAS, Citizens of Washington County are visiting the 
Capitol on March 25, 2003, to celebrate their rich heritage and 
the role their county has played in building the Lone Star State; 
and
	WHEREAS, Members of Stephen F. Austin's Old 300 began 
settling in the area of Washington County in 1821; in 1836, 
at Washington-on-the-Brazos, delegates signed the Texas 
Declaration of Independence and drafted a constitution for the 
new republic; later, from 1842 to 1845, this community served 
as the capital of the republic; and
	WHEREAS, Washington County was created in 1836 and 
was organized the following year; situated on the Blackland 
Prairies, the region attracted substantial immigration and 
developed quickly; included in the flow of newcomers were 
Germans, Czechs, and Poles, who began arriving in the 
mid-19th century; and
	WHEREAS, In the 1840s and 1850s, the foundations of several 
established colleges, including those for Baylor University and 
a precursor to Southwestern University, testified to the dynamic 
nature of Washington County; today Blinn College, established in 
1883 in Brenham, the county seat, carries on the county's early 
tradition of interest in higher education; and
	WHEREAS, The region's natural beauty and its prominent 
role in early Texas history have made Washington County a popular 
tourist destination; visitors can wander its scenic country 
roads, enjoy the recreation afforded by Somerville Lake, and 
step into the past at the Brenham, Burton, Chappell Hill, and 
Texas Baptist museums; the Star of the Republic Museum, in 
Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historical Park, tells the 
story of the Texas Republic; and
	WHEREAS, Other popular attractions include the Blue Bell 
Creameries, an eight-acre antique rose garden, and a miniature 
horse farm; the county's well-known festivals include the 
Washington County Fair, Burton's Cotton Gin Festival, Chappell 
Hill's Bluebonnet and Scarecrow festivals, and Brenham's 
Maifest; and
	WHEREAS, The industrious residents of this vital Texas 
county are preserving the best of their past and looking forward 
to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and it is 
indeed a pleasure to honor them at this time; now, therefore, 
be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 
78th Legislature, hereby declare March 25 Washington County Day 
at the State Capitol and extend to the delegation present sincere 
best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable visit.
                                                                      Armbrister




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on March 25, 2003.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate