SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 705

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas takes pleasure in recognizing the citizens of Winkler County on the occasion of Winkler County Day at the State Capitol; and

WHEREAS, Winkler County was established from territory in Tom Green County in February of 1887; named for Clinton M. Winkler, a Confederate colonel, it comprises 840 square miles of gently rolling to level terrain, primarily in the Pecos Valley of West Texas; it was officially organized on April 5, 1910, and Kermit was chosen as the county seat; and

WHEREAS, The area was inhabited by Anasazi Indians about 1,000 years ago and the Apaches and Comanche Indians arrived later; soldiers entered the area in the last half of the 19th century; by 1890, just 11 men and seven women lived in Winkler County; while some areas of farmland existed, the early residents primarily raised cattle; a drought beginning in 1916 lasted for 10 years and caused many residents to move away; and

WHEREAS, By 1930, the oil boom brought an increase in population and today Winkler County continues to be a center for oil production, as well as a hub for ranching; and

WHEREAS, Winkler County Day at the State Capitol provides an opportunity for friends and families to honor the county's rich past and its many contributions to the development of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby commend the citizens of Winkler County and extend to them best wishes for a rewarding and memorable day at the State Capitol; and, be it further

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

Uresti

________________________________

President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 5, 2011.

________________________________

Secretary of the Senate

________________________________

Member, Texas Senate