SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 309

	WHEREAS, 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 the development of the
Lone Star State; and

	WHEREAS, Members of Stephen F. Austin's Old Three Hundred 
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, The foundation of several colleges in the 1840s 
and 1850s, among them 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 Lake Somerville, and
step into the past at the Brenham, Burton, Chappell Hill, and 
Independence museums; the Star of Republic Museum in 
Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historical Park tells the story 
of the Republic of Texas; 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, 
the Burton 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,
79th Legislature, hereby declare March 8, 2005, Washington County
Day at the State Capitol and extend to the delegation present 
sincere best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable visit; and, be 
it further

	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared as a 
memento of this special day.
                                                                      Armbrister




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



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate