SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 175

WHEREAS, Residents of Fannin County are gathering at the Texas State Capitol on March 8, 2011, to celebrate Fannin County Day, and this occasion provides an opportunity to recognize the rich history and significant accomplishments of this attractive part of the Lone Star State; and

WHEREAS, The first nonnative settlements in the area that would become Fannin County were established in 1836, the year Texas won its independence from Mexico; when the county was formed the following year, it took its name from Colonel James Walker Fannin, Jr., a commander of the Texan revolutionaries who had been killed in the Goliad Massacre; Bonham, the county seat, was also named for an independence hero, James Bonham, who died at the Alamo and is now honored with a statue at the county courthouse; and

WHEREAS, An area of gently rolling hills bounded by the Red River to the north, Fannin County provides good land for farming and ranching, and those pursuits have been economic mainstays since the county was established; today, cattle, corn, wheat, milo, pecans, and hay are key products, and the many acres of farmland in the county create a tranquil, pastoral landscape; other businesses such as communications and manufacturing help to strengthen and diversify the economy; and

WHEREAS, Bonham, with a population of almost 10,000, is the county's largest city; it was the hometown of Sam Rayburn, the legendary Texas politician who was a member of the United States Congress for 48 years and is the longest-serving speaker of the United States House of Representatives; his legacy is recalled at the Sam Rayburn Library and Museum and the Sam Rayburn House Museum; Bonham is also the site of the Fannin County Museum of History, the Creative Arts Center, and Fort Inglish Park, a replica of the stockade and log buildings erected by early settlers; and

WHEREAS, Other well-known county attractions focus on outdoor recreation; Lake Bonham comprises more than 1,000 acres and is bordered by a golf course and camping facilities; additional recreational lakes are found at Bonham State Park and the Caddo National Grasslands preserve, and these public lands also offer opportunities for hiking, fishing, bicycling, and other activities; and

WHEREAS, Fannin County's 33,000 residents can take pride in their area's rich history, productive businesses, and abundant recreational activities, and it is an honor to pay tribute to their many contributions to the State of Texas; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby recognize March 8, 2011, as Fannin County Day at the State Capitol and extend best wishes to the visitors from that notable Texas county for an enjoyable and rewarding visit to Austin; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in honor of this special day.

Deuell

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 7, 2011.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate