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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, March 6, 2013, is Austin County Day, providing a |
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fitting opportunity to recognize the county and welcome its |
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citizens to the State Capitol; and |
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WHEREAS, The area that would become Austin County was one of |
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the locations settled by the initial colonists who were brought to |
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Texas by Stephen F. Austin; the first English-language newspaper in |
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Texas, the Gazette, was started in 1829 in the colony's main town, |
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San Felipe de Austin; this settlement played an important part in |
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the Texas Revolution, briefly serving as capital of the provisional |
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government; and |
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WHEREAS, San Felipe became the county seat on the |
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establishment of Austin County in 1837, but in 1846 voters chose to |
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move the government to the more centrally located town of |
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Bellville; the county's growth was fueled as Czech and German |
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immigrants settled in the region, establishing new lives in a new |
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land and contributing their time-honored traditions and values to |
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further enrich the culture of Texas; and |
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WHEREAS, Today, reminders of these early days can be found |
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throughout the area; the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site, |
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"The Colonial Capital of Texas," provides a glimpse into the life of |
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Stephen F. Austin and his fellow pioneers; visitors may also |
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appreciate the many turn-of-the-century homes and buildings |
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preserved by the Bellville Historical Society and the Austin County |
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Jail Museum houses rotating exhibits on local culture; and |
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WHEREAS, Tourism and manufacturing contribute to the |
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county's economy, while agribusiness is the major commercial |
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activity; outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the hiking, fishing, and |
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opportunities for other recreation that are available in Stephen F. |
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Austin State Park; and |
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WHEREAS, Celebrating their rich history as they look forward |
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to a bright future, the residents of Austin County can take |
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justifiable pride in their heritage and their continuing |
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contributions to the prosperity of the Lone Star State; now, |
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therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize March 6, 2013, as Austin County Day |
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and extend to the county delegation sincere best wishes for an |
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enjoyable and rewarding visit to the State Capitol. |