SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 215
         WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
  recognize the citizens of Washington County who are visiting
  the State Capitol on February 26, 2013, to celebrate their rich
  heritage and the contributions their county has made to the
  story of Texas; and
 
         WHEREAS, Members of Stephen F. Austin's Old Three Hundred
  began settling in the area of Washington County in the early
  1820s and soon formed a community known as
  Washington-on-the-Brazos; the town became a major center of
  activity during the Texas Revolution and was the site of the
  Convention of 1836, where delegates signed the Texas Declaration
  of Independence and drafted a constitution for the new republic;
  that same year, Washington County was formally created, and
  later, from 1842 to 1845, Washington-on-the-Brazos served as the
  capital of the republic; and
 
         WHEREAS, Situated on the Blackland Prairies, the region
  attracted substantial immigration and developed quickly;
  included in the flow of newcomers were Germans, Czechs, and
  Poles, who began arriving in the mid-19th century; residents
  had several colleges to choose from, including Baylor
  University, which was established in Independence in 1846, and
  Soule University, which eventually merged with other schools
  to become Southwestern University; today, that early tradition
  of higher education is carried on at Blinn College, founded in
  1883, in Brenham, the county seat; and
 
         WHEREAS, Thanks to its natural beauty and prominent role in
  early Texas history, Washington County is a popular tourist
  destination; visitors can drive scenic country roads, enjoy
  the recreation afforded by Somerville Lake, and step into the
  past at museums in Brenham, Burton, Chappell Hill, and
  Independence; moreover, the Star of the Republic Museum in
  Washington-on-the-Brazos tells the story of the Texas
  Republic; and
 
         WHEREAS, Other popular attractions include the Blue Bell
  Creameries, an eight-acre antique rose garden, and a
  miniature-horse farm; in addition, the area boasts such
  well-known events as the Washington County Fair, which is the
  oldest county fair in Texas, the Burton Cotton Gin Festival,
  the Bluebonnet and Scarecrow Festivals in Chappell Hill, and
  the Brenham Maifest; and
 
         WHEREAS, This dynamic county is one of the Lone Star
  State's great treasures, and it is indeed a pleasure to honor
  the residents of Washington County as they look forward to a
  bright and promising future; now, therefore, be it
 
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd
  Legislature, hereby recognize February 26, 2013, as Washington
  County Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting
  delegation sincere best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable
  stay in Austin; and, be it further
 
         RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the
  Washington County delegation to commemorate this special day.
 
  Hegar
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on February 18, 2013.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate