SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 256

WHEREAS, On February 16 and 17, 2011, members of the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Nacogdoches, Stephen F. Austin State University and its Student Government Association and Alumni Association are visiting Austin to celebrate Nacogdoches-SFA Days at the State Capitol; and

WHEREAS, Nacogdoches is one of the oldest communities in the state, the site of a Caddo Native American settlement and a Spanish mission established in 1716; the city became an important gateway for trade with the French and later the Americans, and its lengthy list of Texas milestones includes the first newspaper, oil well, and two-story building, as well as the state's inaugural district court session; the nine flags flown over the city include those of three short-lived early republics; and

WHEREAS, Today the vintage charm of Nacogdoches brings myriad tourists, who explore such attractions as the Old Stone Fort, the Victorian homes along Mound Street, the 19th-century buildings of Millard's Crossing, and the quaint antique shops and restaurants along brick downtown streets; many also come to enjoy recreational activities at Lake Nacogdoches and Sam Rayburn Reservoir, known for their bass fishing; in addition to education and tourism, primary industries include agricultural services, manufacturing, and oil and gas; and

WHEREAS, Education has been an important part of the area's economy since Stephen F. Austin State University opened its doors to 158 students on September 18, 1923; its alumni association was organized just five years later and has worked diligently through the years to support the school, which now has an enrollment of 12,954 students; the university boasts an exceptionally scenic campus and also operates a beef and poultry farm, a dairy farm, an experimental forest, and a forestry field station; its observatory is the second largest not only in Texas but also in the Central Time Zone; and

WHEREAS, Beautifully situated in the Texas Forest Country, Nacogdoches is attracting active retired Texans; it was one of the first three communities in Texas recognized as a Go-Texan certified retirement community because of its cultural and sporting events, health care, safety, and continuing education opportunities; and

WHEREAS, The combination of numerous amenities and a neighborly atmosphere makes Nacogdoches a splendid place to live, work, and study, and it is a pleasure to welcome those representing the many facets of this vibrant part of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby recognize February 16 and 17, 2011, as Nacogdoches-SFA Days at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation best wishes for a memorable stay in Austin; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the group as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.

Nichols

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 14, 2011.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate