SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 261

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the residents of Ellis County in celebrating March 19, 2025, as Ellis County Day at the Texas Capitol; and

WHEREAS, A county of rural charm and natural beauty, Ellis County is located in North Central Texas and was created in 1849 from Robertson and Navarro Counties; and

WHEREAS, The county was named for Richard Ellis, who was president of the Convention of 1836, which declared Texas' independence from Mexico; and

WHEREAS, During the early days, the land in Ellis County served as the buffalo hunting grounds for several tribes; the earliest inhabitants and hunters were the Tonkawa, Kickapoo, Bidai, Anadarko, and Waco; and

WHEREAS, Although the early settlers were chiefly stock raisers, the land has been cultivated since its first settlement in 1843, and the county remains a vibrant agricultural area; and

WHEREAS, The fertile Blackland soils extend through the center of the county, and the terrain varies from gently rolling hills to level plain; on the east border are the Trinity River and Chambers Creek; and

WHEREAS, The county's farming resources are diverse, with livestock, cotton, grains, and other crops contributing to its economic stability; and

WHEREAS, The county seat is Waxahachie, a city which derives its name from a Native American word for "cow or buffalo creek" and was originally a part of the Chisholm Trail; and

WHEREAS, This historic town has been the location of several major films and is well known for its charming Victorian style homes with gingerbread trim; and

WHEREAS, The Ellis County courthouse in Waxahachie is elaborate; it was constructed with granite from Burnet County and red sandstone; Italian artisans were imported to carve the extensive stone exterior; and

WHEREAS, Ennis, situated in the eastern part of the county, was designated the Bluebonnet City of Texas by the Texas Legislature in 1997; a cultural center for descendants of Czech farmers who first settled on the Blackland Prairie in 1875, Ennis is the site of the National Polka Festival, as well as the Texas Motorplex, a professional and amateur track that offers world-class auto racing; and

WHEREAS, The other charming towns of Ellis County balance the comfort of small-town life with convenient access to downtown Dallas and the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport; and

WHEREAS, The county is host to numerous festive events, including the Scarborough Renaissance Festival, Bethlehem Revisited, and the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails and Festival; and

WHEREAS, Residents of Ellis County have preserved the natural beauty of the land and are hospitable and friendly, making Ellis County a pleasurable place to live and visit; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby express appreciation to the people of Ellis County for their contributions to the state and extend best wishes to them for a celebratory Ellis County Day at the State Capitol; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for Ellis County as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.

Hall, Birdwell

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 19, 2025.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate

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Member, Texas Senate