By: Farney, Button, Springer, H.C.R. No. 35
      King of Hemphill, et al.
 
 
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
         
         WHEREAS, Of all the Lone Star State's unique items of
  headwear that Texans have used to adorn their heads, perhaps none
  says "Texan" more fashionably than the Cowboy Hat; and
         WHEREAS, The heritage of the Lone Star State is closely
  associated with images of cowboys and the western frontier, and
  these elements are reflected in several of the current Texas
  symbols, including rodeo, the official state sport, and the
  longhorn, the state large mammal; and
         WHEREAS, Broad-brimmed hats with high crowns can be seen
  being worn by nomadic warriors like the Mongolian Horsemen as far
  back as the 13th century; the hats made their way to Europe where
  they were adopted by the Spaniards in the 15th and 16th centuries;
  the Spaniards brought the hats to the New World where the style was
  embraced by the horsemen and cattle herders of Spanish Mexico
  called "vaqueros" and blended with other styles such as the
  "sombrero"; and
         WHEREAS, The emergence of the cowboy in the southwestern
  United States in the 19th century secured the cowboy hat's place in
  history; the hats varied in style and material while maintaining a
  wide brim and high crown; the wide brim provided the face, neck, and
  shoulders of the wearer shade from the sun and cover from the rain
  while enduring the elements on a ranch or cattle drive; and
         WHEREAS, The modern cowboy hat's development is credited to
  John B. Stetson, who crafted a hat by hand out of felt made from
  animal skins in 1865; the hat became known as the "Boss of the
  Plains" and this style of hat was popularized through the late 19th
  and early 20th centuries; and
         WHEREAS, The cowboy hat continued to gain notoriety both for
  its utility to the wearer and for its fashionable appeal; it became
  common to see presidents, governors, singers and musicians, movie
  stars, athletes, and the average Texan wearing a cowboy hat; the hat
  even became a required item of a Department of Public Safety
  Trooper's uniform and an approved part of the Texas Ranger's
  uniform; and
         WHEREAS, An essential piece of clothing for a cowboy on a
  cattle drive, a Texas Trooper on duty, or a fashion accessory that
  can be personalized by shape and material, the cowboy hat reflects
  the individualism that is so much a part of the Texan identity,
  elegant in its appearance while maintaining practicality in its
  function; classy, yet sensible, modern and esteemed, the cowboy hat
  has stood the test of time, while enduring the elements, cattle
  drives, and modern fashion trends and continuing to exhibit a sense
  of style and dignified appearance; and
         WHEREAS, The cowboy hat symbolizes both the state's iconic
  western culture and the uniqueness of its residents, and it is
  indeed appropriate that this stylish and dignified apparel receive
  special legislative recognition; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the 84th Legislature of the State of Texas
  hereby designate the cowboy hat as the official State Hat of Texas.