SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 412

WHEREAS, On March 11, 2009, people from across Atascosa County are traveling to the State Capitol to celebrate their community's heritage and to share with fellow Texans their history, traditions, and achievements; and

WHEREAS, The name Atascosa, derived from the Spanish word for boggy terrain, was used to describe the area as early as 1788; during the first part of the 19th century, this grassy prairie region of South Texas attracted Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo-American settlers, and by the time of the Texas Revolution, its ranching industry was flourishing; and

WHEREAS, In 1856, the region was sufficiently populated to be sectioned off from Bexar County; the original county seat at Navatasco was later permanently moved to the centrally located town of Jourdanton; and

WHEREAS, Situated next to the famous Camino Real, the county has long benefited from its proximity to major transportation arteries linking it with the Gulf Coast, the Rio Grande Valley, and Mexico, as well as other major population centers; and

WHEREAS, Atascosa County enjoys the economic benefits reaped by an abundance of natural resources and, blessed with productive range and irrigated farmland, the area is known for its farming and ranching industries; and

WHEREAS, Proud of its ranching heritage, Pleasanton, the county's trading center, bills itself as the birthplace of the cowboy, a designation symbolized by a large bronze statue in front of city hall; in nearby Poteet, known to many as the Strawberry Capital of the World, a seven-foot, 1,600-pound monument to the fruit graces the front lawn of city hall, and a Strawberry Festival, the fourth-largest agricultural festival in the state, takes place in April; and

WHEREAS, Other resources such as oil and gas also play a significant role in the county's ongoing development, but the most important asset in the area's increasingly diverse economy is undoubtedly its industrious citizenry; and

WHEREAS, For more than a century, residents of Atascosa County have contributed to the economic and cultural development of Texas, and they are justifiably proud of their rich history; it is indeed appropriate that they be honored on this day; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st Legislature, hereby recognize March 11, 2009, as Atascosa County Day at the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to all visitors from that fine county.

Zaffirini

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 11, 2009.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate