SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 233

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the citizens of Hudspeth County on the occasion of the county's centennial celebration, which is taking place February 16, 2017; and

WHEREAS, Hudspeth County is named in honor of State Senator Claude Hudspeth, who introduced the bill in the 35th Legislature that led to the organization of the county on September 4, 1917; largely self-educated, Senator Hudspeth studied law and was admitted to the bar in 1909; he served in the Texas Senate from 1907 to 1919, and he sponsored numerous bills to benefit the working men and women of the state; he went on to serve with distinction for 12 years as a member of the United States House of Representatives; and

WHEREAS, Hudspeth County covers more than 4,500 square miles of the vast and scenic Chihuahuan Desert, and residents take great pleasure in the county's great natural beauty and friendly, close-knit communities; and

WHEREAS, People have lived in the area since prehistoric times, and missionaries and soldiers from New Spain visited the region as early as 1581; in 1849, John "Rip" Ford and Major Robert Neighbors laid out a trail that would be used by prospectors on their way to the California gold fields; Fort Quitman was established in 1858 on the Rio Grande to protect travelers and mail coaches between San Antonio and El Paso; and

WHEREAS, The country's second transcontinental railway was completed in 1881 near the present-day county seat, Sierra Blanca,andhomesteadersbegansettlingintheareaintheearly 20th century; the county later served as a haven for refugees fleeing the upheaval caused by the Mexican Revolution; and

WHEREAS, Through the years, the county's economy has been based largely on ranching, farming, and mining; tourism and outdoor activities attract numerous visitors to the Guadalupe Mountains National Park and the Sierra Diablo Wildlife Management Area, which is home to the state's largest population of free-ranging bighorn sheep; and

WHEREAS, The people of Hudspeth County are confidently facing the future while continuing to embrace their rich and colorful past; it is truly fitting that they receive special recognition as the county celebrates its centennial anniversary; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby commend the citizens of Hudspeth County on their many contributions to the growth and progress of our state and extend to them best wishes for a memorable centennial celebration; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the county as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Rodríguez

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 21, 2017.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate