SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 449

WHEREAS, Proud citizens of Rusk County are assembling at the Texas State Capitol to celebrate Rusk County Days on March 31 and April 1, 2015; and

WHEREAS, A picturesque region of rolling hills in the Piney Woods of East Texas, Rusk County was first occupied by the Caddo and the Cherokee tribes; the first European settlers arrived in the 1830s, and on January 16, 1843, the county was formed by act of the Congress of the Republic of Texas and named after Thomas Jefferson Rusk, secretary of war under Texas President Sam Houston; and

WHEREAS, For many years, the county's economy was based on cotton and other agriculture, but on October 3, 1930, Columbus Marion "Dad" Joiner struck oil at his famous Daisy Bradford Number 3 well, opening up the East Texas oil field, which at the time was the largest oil field in the world; three years later, Rusk County was producing over 200 million barrels of petroleum a year, turning county seat Henderson from a sleepy village to a bustling boomtown; and

WHEREAS, Oil and agriculture continue to be mainstays of the county's economy, along with natural gas, timber, and the mining of lignite coal; in addition, Rusk County's bricks, made from the region's unique clay soil, are highly prized; the county economy is further bolstered by two correctional institutions, including the Bradshaw State Jail in Henderson; and

WHEREAS, Only two miles from "Dad" Joiner's original well, the Gaston Museum in Joinerville commemorates the history of the East Texas oil field; in Henderson, the Depot Museum, a beautifully restored Missouri Pacific railway depot from 1901, hosts the annual Heritage Syrup Festival every November; recreational opportunities abound in the county's parks, including Martin Creek Lake State Park, which offers swimming, boating, fishing, waterskiing, and other activities; and

WHEREAS, Honoring their heritage as they embrace the opportunities of the future, the citizens of Rusk County may take great pride in the role their communities have played in the story of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th Legislature, hereby recognize March 31 and April 1, 2015, as Rusk County Days at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere best wishes for an informative and enjoyable stay in Austin. Eltife

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 30, 2015.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate