H.R. No. 446 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, On February 18 and 19, 2009, members of the Nacogdoches Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Nacogdoches, and the Stephen F. Austin State University Student Government Association and Alumni Association are visiting Austin to celebrate Nacogdoches-SFASU Days at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, Nacogdoches is one of the oldest communities in the state, the site of a Caddo Indian settlement and a Spanish mission established in 1716; the city became an important gateway for trade with the French and later the Americans, and its lengthy list of Texas milestones includes the first newspaper, oil well, and two-story building, as well as the state's inaugural district court session; the nine flags flown over the city include those of three short-lived early republics; and WHEREAS, Today, the vintage charm of Nacogdoches brings myriad tourists, who explore such attractions as the Old Stone Fort, the Victorian homes along Mound Street, the 19th-century buildings of Millard's Crossing, and the quaint antique shops and restaurants along brick downtown streets; many also come to enjoy recreational activities at Lake Nacogdoches and Sam Rayburn Reservoir, known for their bass fishing; in addition to tourism, primary industries include agricultural services, manufacturing, and oil and gas; and WHEREAS, Education has been an important part of the area's economy since Stephen F. Austin State University opened its doors to 158 students on September 18, 1923; its alumni association was organized just five years later and has worked diligently through the years to support the school, which now has an enrollment of about 12,000 students; SFA boasts an exceptionally scenic campus and also operates a beef and poultry farm, a dairy farm, an experimental forest, and a forestry field station; its observatory is the second largest not only in Texas but also in the Central Time Zone; and WHEREAS, Beautifully situated in the Piney Woods of Deep East Texas, Nacogdoches has attracted countless older Texans; it was one of the first three communities in Texas recognized as a certified retirement community by a state program that evaluates such factors as cultural and sporting events, health care, safety, and continuing education opportunities; and WHEREAS, The combination of numerous amenities and a neighborly atmosphere makes Nacogdoches a splendid place indeed to live, work, and study, and it is a pleasure to welcome those representing the many facets of this vibrant part of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas Legislature hereby recognize February 18 and 19, 2009, as Nacogdoches-SFASU Days at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation best wishes for a memorable stay in Austin; and, be it further RESOLVED, That official copies of this resolution be prepared for the group as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Christian ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 446 was adopted by the House on February 19, 2009, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House