SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 246

WHEREAS, Proud residents of Corsicana and throughout Navarro County are gathering at the State Capitol on March 18, 2025, to celebrate the role their region has played in the colorful story of Texas; and

WHEREAS, Established with the approval of the state legislature on April 25, 1846, Navarro County was named after José Antonio Navarro, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence; and

WHEREAS, In 1848, a 100-acre plot of land was donated for the creation of a county seat, with the name, Corsicana, chosen by Mr. Navarro to honor his father's birthplace on the isle of Corsica; the community developed as a trading and shipping center following the completion of the Houston and Texas Central Railroad in 1871; and

WHEREAS, With Corsicana experiencing substantial population growth, an effort was made to drill for groundwater beneath the city's soil in 1894; this led to the discovery of oil, and consequently, the first oil boom in the state of Texas, forever changing the economy and destiny of Navarro County; more than 200 million barrels of oil have since been pumped from the county, which claims the longest continuous oil flow in Texas history; and

WHEREAS, Today, petroleum, diversified manufacturing, and agriculture continue to bolster the economy; among the varied crops grown in the region's fertile black loam are corn, cotton, hay, wheat, sorghum, and sunflowers, and local ranches raise beef and dairy cattle, poultry, goats, sheep, and horses; and

WHEREAS, Corsicana remains the cultural center of Navarro County, and residents of this fine city benefit from the outstanding and affordable educational opportunities provided by Navarro College; the community thrives as a major distribution point and is home to a Russell Stover candy factory and the Navarro Pecan Company, one of the largest pecan-shelling facilities in the world; the celebrated Collin Street Bakery is also a favorite of visitors passing through town, and orders are received for its delectable fruitcake from every corner of the globe; and

WHEREAS, Enhancing the quality of life in the area, outlets for recreation are found at nearby Navarro Mills Lake, Lake Halbert, and Richland Chambers Reservoir; in addition, the county's fascinating history is preserved at such attractions as the Pearce Museum and Pioneer Village; moreover, every spring the Corsicana Derrick Days festival celebrates the area oil and gas industry and its economic benefits; and

WHEREAS, The resourceful citizens of Navarro County have made many notable contributions to the cultural fabric of Texas, and they take justifiable pride in the rich heritage and unique amenities that make their region such a notable part of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby recognize March 18, 2025, as Corsicana/Navarro County Day at the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the visiting delegation.

Hall

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 18, 2025.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate