SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 211

WHEREAS, On February 16, 2017, members of the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Nacogdoches, and Stephen F. Austin State University and its Student Government and Alumni Associations are visiting Austin to celebrate Nacogdoches-SFA Day at the State Capitol; and

WHEREAS, Nacogdoches is the site of a Caddo Native American settlement and a Spanish mission established in 1716; founded by Antonio Gil Y'Barbo, it received designation from Spain as a pueblo in 1779, and today it proudly calls itself the first town in Texas; and

WHEREAS, The city became an important gateway for trade with the French, and it claims among its lengthy list of Texas milestones being home to the first English-language newspaper, oil well, and two-story building, as well as the state's inaugural district court session; the nine flags flown over the city include those of three short-lived early republics; and

WHEREAS, Today, the vintage charm of Nacogdoches brings many tourists who explore such attractions as the Old Stone Fort, the Victorian homes along Mound Street, the 19th-century buildings of Millard's Crossing, and the quaint antique shops and restaurants along the brick downtown streets; many also come to enjoy the state-sanctioned Texas Blueberry Festival, which celebrates the importance of the Texas blueberry industry, and to participate in recreational activities at Lake Nacogdoches, Lake Naconiche, and Sam Rayburn Reservoir, all known for their bass fishing; in addition to tourism, the primary industries of the area include agricultural services, manufacturing, and oil and gas, and the construction and completion of the Interstate 69 system is critical to continuing development in Nacogdoches County; and

WHEREAS, Education has been an important part of the area's economy since Stephen F. Austin State University opened its doors to 158 students on September 18, 1923; its alumni association was organized just five years later and has worked diligently through the years to support the school, which now has an enrollment of approximately 13,000 students; the university boasts an exceptionally scenic campus recognized for the SFA Gardens and also operates a beef and poultry farm, a dairy farm, an experimental forest, a forestry field station, and the Waters of East Texas Center; its observatory is the second largest, not only in Texas but also in the Central Time Zone, and on November 7, 2016, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for the Ed and Gwen Cole STEM Building, which will provide new educational opportunities for all Texans; and

WHEREAS, Beautifully situated in the Texas Forest Country, Nacogdoches is attracting active retired Texans; it was one of the first three communities in Texas recognized as a Go Texan certified retirement community because of its cultural and sporting events, health care, safety, and continuing education opportunities; additionally, the city has been designated the official Garden Capital of Texas; and

WHEREAS, The combination of numerous amenities and a neighborly atmosphere makes Nacogdoches a splendid place to live, work, and study, and it is a pleasure to welcome those representing the many facets of this vibrant part of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby recognize February 16, 2017, as Nacogdoches-SFA Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation best wishes for an enjoyable stay in Austin.

Nichols

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 15, 2017.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate