SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 146 WHEREAS, Residents of Wise County are gathering at the State Capitol on February 9 and 10, 2009, to celebrate the role their county has played in the history of our great state; and WHEREAS, Officially created in 1856, the county was named in honor of Henry A. Wise, a United States congressman from Virginia who lent support to the annexation of Texas in the 1840s; and WHEREAS, Wise County is located in Northwest Texas and enjoys a diverse economy, primarily centered around agribusiness, petroleum, manufacturing, and tourism; it is one of the 30 fastest-growing counties in the state and boasts a varied topography of rolling hills and flat terrain of red clay; and WHEREAS, The area's historic sites and cultural attractions draw many visitors to Decatur, the county seat and home to the Waggoner Mansion, the Old Stone Prison, the Wise County Heritage Museum, and the historic pink granite Wise County Courthouse built in 1895; other towns in the county include Bridgeport, Alvord, Aurora, Boyd, Briar, Chico, Greenwood, Lake Bridgeport, Newark, New Fairview, Paradise, Pecan Acres, Rhome, Runaway Bay, and Slidell; and WHEREAS, With its attractive landscape, the county is a desirable destination for visitors who enjoy the benefits of nature and outdoor recreational activities provided by Lake Bridgeport, Eagle Mountain Lake, and the Lyndon Baines Johnson National Grasslands; furthermore, the area's citizens celebrate their history with festive annual events, such as the Chisholm Trail Days in June and the Butterfield Stage Days in July; and WHEREAS, The residents of this notable Texas county have played an important role in the development and preservation of their region, and it is a pleasure to pay tribute to Wise County and its citizens on this special occasion; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st Legislature, hereby proclaim February 9 and 10 Wise County Days and extend sincere best wishes to the Wise County residents for an enjoyable visit; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared as a memento of these special days. Estes ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 10, 2009. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate