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SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 311

	WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to 
join the proud citizens of Victoria in celebrating Victoria Day 
at the State Capitol on Wednesday, March 9, 2005; and

	WHEREAS, The City of Victoria and Victoria County have a 
rich history; one of the historical highlights was when the 
Republic of Mexico approved Don Martin DeLeon's request for a 
large land grant on the lower Guadalupe River in 1824; and

	WHEREAS, A highly respected Mexican citizen, Don Martin DeLeon
received permission to establish a town at a site known earlier 
as Cypress Grove; established with 41 families, the town would 
become known as Victoria, named after Guadalupe Victoria, the 
president of Mexico; and

	WHEREAS, Victoria's Main Street today was known then as
La Calle de los Diez Amigos, or The Street of the Ten Friends; the 
town was incorporated under the Republic of Texas in 1839 and the 
first property taxes were assessed in 1843; and

	WHEREAS, Ranching was the first major enterprise in the area,
and it brought in capital needed for development; commercial 
ventures became successful, and by 1917, paved streets were 
becoming common; by the end of World War II, Victoria had become 
one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas; and

	WHEREAS, The city has a symphony orchestra, a fine arts 
association, museums, libraries, and the National Zoo of Texas, 
which is home to more than 200 native Texas animals and plants; and

	WHEREAS, Three major highways, railroads, and commercial 
airlines make Victoria easily accessible to major businesses;
it is also located on a barge canal which is connected to the
Gulf Intracoastal Waterway; as the Victoria County seat, the city 
serves as the commercial center of this thriving area; and

	WHEREAS, In the fall of 2004, in front of the sign at the 
entrance to The Street of the Ten Friends, the Victoria Chamber of 
Commerce and the Victoria Hispanic Chamber of Commerce announced 
their intent to merge their two successful organizations; today, 
the Victoria Chamber of Commerce is stronger for that union and 
better represents the business community that it serves; and

	WHEREAS, Victoria is home to excellent public schools, a 
number of major employers, a university, and a community college; 
the city offers first-rate medical care, and it is an inviting 
city with an expanding economy; and

	WHEREAS, The largest city in the "Golden Crescent Region," 
Victoria serves as the health, education, government, and retail 
service center for a five county market area with a population of 
over 185,000; the city thrives on the area's petrochemical industry,
oil and gas exploration, retail trade, and agriculture; and

	WHEREAS, Two of the city's qualities that appeal to all 
ages are big-city convenience and small-town friendliness; 
Victoria is an excellent town in which to live, work, and raise a 
family, and it is known for its appealing mix of history, natural 
attractions, and thriving art scene; and

	WHEREAS, It is indeed a pleasure and a privilege for the 
Texas Senate to honor this outstanding city and its fine citizens 
on the occasion of Victoria Day at the State Capitol; now, 
therefore, be it

	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
79th Legislature, hereby express appreciation to the citizens of 
Victoria for their many contributions to our state; and, be it 
further

	RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for 
the city and Victoria County 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 9, 2005.



________________________________ 
    Secretary of the Senate



________________________________ 
     Member, Texas Senate