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                                                                  H.R. No. 694



R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Many citizens of Washington County are visiting the 
Capitol on March 8, 2005, 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 establishment of several 
colleges, among them Baylor University and a precursor to 
Southwestern University, testified to the dynamic nature of 
Washington County; today Blinn College, founded in 1883 in Brenham, 
the county seat, carries on the county's early tradition of 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 Independence 
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, which is the oldest county fair in Texas, 
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 House of Representatives of the 79th Texas 
Legislature hereby recognize March 8, 2005, as Washington County 
Day at the State Capitol and extend to the delegation present on 
this day sincere best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable visit.

                                                                       Kolkhorst

                                                  ______________________________
                                                       Speaker of the House     

	I certify that H.R. No. 694 was adopted by the House on March 
8, 2005, by a non-record vote.

                                                  ______________________________
                                                     Chief Clerk of the House