SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 615

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to join the citizens of Winkler County and Texans across the state in celebrating Winkler County Day at the State Capitol; and

WHEREAS, Established in 1887 from territory in Tom Green County, Winkler County is named for Clinton M. Winkler, a Confederate colonel; the county was officially organized on April 5, 1910, with Kermit chosen as the county seat; and

WHEREAS, Originally populated by the Anasazi Indians, Winkler County was later home to the Apache and Comanche Indian tribes drawn by the ready availability of water; the first military expeditions entered the area in the mid-19th century under the command of Captain Randolph Marcy, who was searching for the best route to California; and

WHEREAS, Winkler County experienced its first boom when the Texas Legislature enacted a law allowing the sale of state school lands in West Texas; the discovery of oil in the 1920s at the Hendrick Number 1 site set off a second expansion of the population, and the town of Wink was established at this time; and

WHEREAS, Today, Winkler County remains a center for oil production, as well as a hub for ranching; its people are rightly proud of their impact on our state and their involvement in its rich history; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st Legislature, hereby commend the citizens of Winkler County for their many contributions to our state and extend to them best wishes for a memorable Winkler County Day at the State Capitol; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for them as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.

Uresti

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 15, 2009.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate