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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Residents of Fannin County are gathering at the |
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Texas State Capitol on February 28, 2017, to celebrate Fannin |
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County Day, and this occasion provides an opportunity to recognize |
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the rich history and significant accomplishments of this notable |
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part of the Lone Star State; and |
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WHEREAS, The first nonnative settlements in the area that |
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would become Fannin County were established in 1836, the year Texas |
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won its independence from Mexico; when the county was formed the |
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following year, it took its name from Colonel James Walker Fannin, |
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Jr., a commander in the Texas revolutionary army, who had been |
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killed in the Goliad Massacre; Bonham, the county seat, was named |
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for another hero of the Texas Revolution, James Bonham, who died at |
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the Alamo and who is now honored with a statue at the county |
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courthouse; and |
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WHEREAS, A land of gently rolling hills that are bounded by |
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the Red River to the north, Fannin County provides good land for |
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farming and ranching, and those pursuits have been economic |
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mainstays since the county was established; today, cattle, corn, |
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wheat, milo, pecans, and hay are key products, and the many acres of |
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farmland in the county create a tranquil, pastoral landscape; other |
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industries, such as communications and manufacturing, help to |
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strengthen and diversify the economy; and |
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WHEREAS, Bonham, with a population of approximately 10,000, |
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is the county's largest city; it was the hometown of Sam Rayburn, |
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the legendary Texas politician who was a member of Congress for 48 |
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years and who still ranks as the longest-serving speaker of the U.S. |
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House of Representatives; his legacy is recalled at the Sam Rayburn |
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Library and Museum and at the Sam Rayburn House Museum; in addition, |
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Bonham is the site of the Fannin County Museum of History, the |
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Creative Arts Center, and Fort Inglish Park, which contains several |
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restored log cabins from the 1830s and a replica of the stockade |
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erected in the vicinity by early settlers; and |
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WHEREAS, The county also offers a number of attractions for |
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outdoor enthusiasts; Lake Bonham comprises more than 1,000 acres of |
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water, and is bordered by a golf course and camping facilities; |
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other lakes are found at Bonham State Park and the Caddo National |
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Grasslands preserve, which offer opportunities for hiking, |
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fishing, biking, and other activities; and |
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WHEREAS, The hardworking residents of Fannin County may take |
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pride in their area's rich history, productive businesses, and |
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abundant recreational activities, and it is indeed fitting to pay |
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tribute to their many contributions to the State of Texas; now, |
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therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize February 28, 2017, as Fannin County |
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Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation |
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sincere best wishes for a meaningful and memorable stay in Austin. |