SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 89

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to pay 
tribute to Matagorda County for its many contributions to our 
state and to join its citizens in celebrating Matagorda County Day 
on February 8, 2005; and

	WHEREAS, Situated along the Gulf of Mexico between 
Brazoria and Calhoun Counties, Matagorda County consists of more 
than 1,100 square miles, including Matagorda Bay, and its land is 
drained by the Colorado River, Caney Creek, and Tres Palacios 
Creek; and

	WHEREAS, Often called "The Cradle of Texas History," 
Matagorda County was first settled by people brought in under the 
leadership of Stephen F. Austin; agriculture was the primary 
source of income, and the main crops were cotton and sugarcane; 
after the Civil War, cattle ranching became the chief source of 
income, since both the war and the boll weevil destroyed cotton 
crops; and

	WHEREAS, Bay City was established in 1894 and became the 
county seat, and railroad development around 1898 played a major 
role in the growth of Matagorda County; and

	WHEREAS, In the 2000 census, the total population of 
Matagorda County was approximately 38,000; the modern-day 
economy is based on agriculture, petrochemicals, nuclear power, 
plastics, oil and gas, and oilfield services; and

	WHEREAS, The recreational attractions of this area are 
manifold; major parks and the Gulf of Mexico provide ample 
opportunities for fishing, shrimping, and bird-watching; one of 
the county's ports, Palacios, is known as the Shrimp Capital of 
Texas, and for the last six years, the county has been credited 
with having more species of birds than any other county in the 
United States; it is now home to the Matagorda County Birding and 
Nature Center; and

	WHEREAS, Numerous civic organizations sponsor annual 
events each year, such as the Matagorda County Rodeo, the 
Blessing of the Fleet, the Fisherman's Festival, the Rice Festival,
and Market Days; two museums and many historical sites add to the 
rich cultural heritage of the area; and

	WHEREAS, The residents of Matagorda County are friendly 
and hospitable and have made their county one of the outstanding 
areas of the state; and

	WHEREAS, It is indeed a pleasure and a privilege for the 
Texas Senate to honor this outstanding Texas county and its fine 
citizens; now, therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
79th Legislature, hereby extend sincere congratulations to the 


citizens of Matagorda County on their special day and best wishes 
for a memorable and joyous celebration; and, be it further

	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
Matagorda County as a memento of this occasion.
                                                                      Armbrister




________________________________ 
    President of the Senate
 
    I hereby certify that the 
above Resolution was adopted by 
the Senate on February 8, 2005.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate