H.R. No. 1308
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Citizens of Reeves County are celebrating Reeves
County Day at the State Capitol on April 15, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Situated on the rolling plains of far West Texas,
Reeves County was first inhabited by prehistoric people who lived
in rock shelters and caves in the Barilla Hills; the first Spanish
explorer visited the region in 1583, and the Madera Valley came to
be farmed by settlers from Mexico; Anglo-American farmers and
ranchers began to make their homes in the area in the 1870s, and the
railway arrived in 1881; the county was organized in 1884 and named
after Confederate colonel George R. Reeves; and
WHEREAS, Pecos, the county seat, began as a crossroads for
cattle trails and the railway, and in its early years earned a
colorful reputation as the site of several famous gunfights; a
number of cowboys challenged each other to a riding and roping
contest over the Fourth of July in 1883, and the town claims the
title as "Home of the World's First Rodeo"; the four-day West of the
Pecos Rodeo will celebrate its 127th year this summer; and
WHEREAS, Ranching and the farming of cotton, pecans,
pistachios, and other crops are the basis of the county's economy,
while the production of oil and natural gas also contributes to its
prosperity; thanks to alkaline soil and fine growing conditions,
the Pecos cantaloupe is prized across the nation for its sweetness
and overall flavor; and
WHEREAS, Reeves County is a popular destination for tourists
seeking to experience the history of the Old West; the West of the
Pecos Museum evokes the life of lawmen, ranchers, and schoolmarms
in 50 rooms of a historic old saloon and hotel, while the park next
door holds the grave of Clay Allison, the "Gentleman Gunfighter,"
so called because "he never killed a man who didn't need killing";
and
WHEREAS, The spring-fed pool at Balmorhea State Park is open
year-round, while hunters are drawn to the county by the variety of
game, including mule deer, javelina, and upland game birds; Toyah
is a popular destination for rockhounds in search of agate, quartz,
desert amethyst, and other rare and beautiful minerals; and
WHEREAS, Its rugged beauty, rich history, and vibrant
agricultural economy make Reeves County a truly unique region of
Texas, and the county's residents may indeed take great pride in
their heritage and continuing contributions to the Lone Star State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby recognize April 15, 2009, as Reeves County Day
at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere
best wishes for an enjoyable and informative stay in Austin.
Gallego
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1308 was adopted by the House on April
15, 2009, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House