88R18103 BPG-D
 
  By: Orr H.R. No. 559
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, Many proud residents of Hill County are gathering in
  Austin on March 16, 2023, to celebrate Hill County Day at the State
  Capitol; and
         WHEREAS, On February 7, 1853, Hill County was created from
  the western section of Navarro County by an act of the state
  legislature; it was named in honor of Dr. George Washington Hill, a
  member of the Congress of the Republic of Texas and the secretary of
  war and navy under President Sam Houston; later that year, citizens
  convened at Lexington on Jack's Branch to elect their public
  officials, and Hillsboro was platted and designated as the county
  seat; and
         WHEREAS, Residents of Hill County have demonstrated lasting
  appreciation for the unique history of their area; following a
  devastating fire in 1993, they carefully restored the splendid
  county courthouse, with assistance from Abbott native Willie
  Nelson, who played two benefit concerts for the effort; the Second
  Empire-style building, constructed in 1890, is listed in the
  National Register of Historic places and continues to serve as a hub
  for government operations; and
         WHEREAS, Hill College houses the Texas Heritage Museum, which
  boasts an extensive collection of Audie Murphy artifacts, a
  10,000-volume library on the Civil War, and the official Texas
  Medal of Honor memorial; while meeting academic and workforce
  needs, the college also fosters cultural enrichment through its
  popular performing arts series; and
         WHEREAS, Now home to more than 36,000 people, the county
  hosts a number of events enjoyed by residents of Hillsboro,
  Hubbard, Itasca, Whitney, and other communities; annual favorites
  include the county fair, Autumnfest, Cinco de Mayo, Pioneer Days,
  and Hubbard City Trade Days; recreational opportunities abound at
  Lake Whitney State Park, a prime destination for camping, hiking,
  boating, and bird watching; and
         WHEREAS, Stargazers eagerly anticipate April 8, 2024, when
  Hillsboro will offer one of the world's best vantage points for
  viewing the solar eclipse, according to Astronomy magazine; the
  future also holds the opening of a 74,000-square-foot Buc-ees
  establishment, a certain boon to the economy; and
         WHEREAS, Changing with the times while maintaining its
  friendliness and charm, Hill County continues to cultivate the
  qualities that have long made it an outstanding place in which to
  live, work, and raise a family; now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
  Legislature hereby recognize March 16, 2023, as Hill County Day at
  the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere
  best wishes for an informative and enjoyable stay in Austin.