SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 239

WHEREAS, Residents of Rockwall County are gathering in Austin on February 25, 2019, to celebrate Rockwall County Day at the State Capitol; and

WHEREAS, Situated on the gently rolling Blackland Prairie of North Texas, the region was inhabited by members of the Caddo and Cherokee tribes before the first European resident, John O. Heath, settled on the East Fork of the Trinity River in 1846; Rockwall County was established in 1873; and

WHEREAS, The smallest county in Texas, yet among the fastest growing, Rockwall County today boasts a population of approximately 97,000 people; and

WHEREAS, The county seat, Rockwall, was named by early explorer T. U. Wade, who discovered a large rock wall when digging a well in the mid-1800s; dedicated to preserving their community's rich heritage and family-friendly environment, residents and civic leaders, including the Rockwall Area Chamber of Commerce, are working hard to keep a small-town feel to a vibrant city even as its population continues to grow; and

WHEREAS, The city of Heath boasts a premier residential community located along the picturesque shores of Lake Ray Hubbard, and its residents enjoy high property values, low tax rates, and exemplary schools; and

WHEREAS, Royse City is looking to the future while also making it a priority to preserve its roots; with a lively downtown and superior schools, it has truly become an ideal spot to call home; and

WHEREAS, In an area known for its rich blackland soil, the town of McLendon-Chisholm dates back to the mid-1800s and is partially named for P. A. McLendon, an area landowner, who encouraged growth when he built a store and a blacksmith shop before the community merged with another to become the inviting town it is today; and

WHEREAS, Fate is located just four miles northeast of Rockwall on State Highway 66 and the Missouri, Kansas, and Texas railroad line; this fast-growing and family-friendly city emphasizes a high quality of life and a true small-town atmosphere; and

WHEREAS, Rockwall County is an exceptional place to live and work, and its citizens may take justifiable pride in their community's unique contributions to the story of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th Legislature, hereby recognize February 25, 2019, as Rockwall County Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere best wishes for a meaningful and memorable stay in Austin. Hall

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 25, 2019.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate