88R11403 BK-D
 
  By: Spiller H.R. No. 166
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, Proud residents of Brown County are gathering in
  Austin on February 8, 2023, to celebrate Brown County Day at the
  State Capitol; and
         WHEREAS, Situated near the geographic center of Texas, Brown
  County features rolling, hilly land drained by the Colorado River
  on its southern border; early settlers came to the valleys of Pecan
  Bayou and Jim Ned Creek in 1856, and the county was formed and named
  for Captain Henry Stevenson Brown, a company commander in the
  battle of Velasco and a delegate to the Convention of 1832; and
         WHEREAS, Although the county's early economy centered on
  cattle ranching, farmers moved to the area in the late 1800s, and
  the arrival of two major railroad lines at the turn of the 20th
  century brought further development; in 1879, oil was discovered
  near the town of Grosvenor, and commercial oil production began in
  the county seat of Brownwood in 1917; and
         WHEREAS, Today, Brown County has a population of more than
  38,000 people; the county is the site of manufacturing plants for
  Kohler and 3M Company, which both serve as major employers in the
  area; additionally, Howard Payne University, which was established
  in Brownwood in 1889, is home to a vibrant community of resident and
  commuter students who benefit from a variety of academic and
  athletic opportunities; and
         WHEREAS, Brown County attracts outdoor enthusiasts to Lake
  Brownwood State Park, which provides ample space for hiking, bird
  watching, swimming, kayaking, and more; locals and visitors alike
  enjoy the Brown County Museum of History, located in the old county
  jail, and the 36th Division Memorial Park at Camp Bowie showcases
  authentic military equipment and vehicles from World War II through
  Vietnam eras; and
         WHEREAS, The hardworking and forward-looking citizens of
  Brown County are building on a long tradition of industry and
  achievement, and it is indeed fitting to pay tribute to their unique
  contributions to the story of the Lone Star State; now, therefore,
  be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
  Legislature hereby recognize February 8, 2023, as Brown County Day
  at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere
  best wishes for a meaningful and memorable stay in Austin.