H.R. No. 435
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Proud citizens of Aransas County are gathering at
the State Capitol in Austin to celebrate Aransas County Day on
February 26, 2009; and
WHEREAS, First inhabited nearly 8,000 years ago, Spanish
explorers visited the area as early as the 1500s, and a Spanish
customhouse was established on Copano Bay in the 1780s; during the
Civil War, the area was the site of several battles between Union
and Confederate forces; and
WHEREAS, The towns of Fulton and Rockport were founded in the
years after the war and soon became important packing and shipping
centers for local cattle ranches; Aransas County was formed from
Refugio County in 1872, with Rockport as the county seat; during the
20th century, commercial fishing and shrimping became mainstays of
the area economy; and
WHEREAS, Today, tourism has become vital to the region's
prosperity; the waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the county's bays
and inlets provide fine opportunities for boating and eco-tours; in
addition, there is excellent fishing from the Copano Bay State
Fishing Pier and the jetty in the Rockport Yacht Basin as well as on
fishing excursions aboard group and charter boats; and
WHEREAS, The winter destination of the world's only flock of
migrating whooping cranes, Aransas National Wildlife Refuge is also
home to 400 species of birds and such animals as alligators,
javelina, and white-tailed deer; Goose Island State Park and Connie
Hagar Cottage Sanctuary are also prime locations for viewing birds
and other wildlife; and
WHEREAS, The rich nautical history of Texas is the focus of
the Texas Maritime Museum in Rockport, which is the state's
official maritime museum; visitors to Rockport can also get a
first-hand look at a fully restored 19th-century mansion at the
Fulton Mansion State Historic Site; and
WHEREAS, Rockport has been cited as one of the top 10 art
colonies in the United States by Coastal Living magazine, and the
county is home to more than 300 artists, 15 art galleries, and the
Rockport Center for the Arts; the Rockport Art Festival in July is
one of the largest juried festivals in the nation; and
WHEREAS, Aransas County is blessed with natural wonders, a
vibrant cultural scene, and a colorful history, and its residents
may take great pride in their heritage and ongoing achievements;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby recognize February 26, 2009, as Aransas County
Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation
sincere best wishes for a meaningful and memorable visit to Austin.
Hunter
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 435 was adopted by the House on
February 26, 2009, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House