SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 159
WHEREAS, Citizens of Hidalgo County are gathering at the
State Capitol to celebrate Hidalgo County Day on February 10,
2009; and
WHEREAS, Hidalgo County is an area rich in history, which
continues to shape this growing mix of urban and rural
landscapes; the county is home to more than 750,000 people, six
international bridges, and a thriving economy anchored by the
health care, retail, trade, and tourism industries; and
WHEREAS, This gateway to the United States was first
settled by the Coahuiltecans, the Karankawa, the Lipan Apaches,
and the Comanche; and
WHEREAS, The first Spanish visitors, including Jose de
Escandon, arrived in the 17th century, establishing settlements
along the Rio Grande; the Spanish government issued land grants
leading to the creation of many cattle ranches, which still
remain an integral part of life in Hidalgo County today; and
WHEREAS, After the end of the Mexican-American War in 1848,
the region became part of the United States; established in 1852,
Hidalgo County was named for Miguel Hildago y Costilla, an
advocate for Mexican independence; in the early 20th century, the
town of Chapin was renamed Edinburg and made county seat; and
WHEREAS, The arrival of the railway in 1904 helped
introduce large-scale farming in the county, particularly of
citrus, cotton, corn, and sugarcane; with the establishment in
1924 of a regional Texas Agricultural Experiment Station in
Weslaco, the towns along Highway 83 began to thrive, and it came
to be described as "the longest main street in the world"; and
WHEREAS, While farming and ranching remain important to
the county, the discovery of oil in 1934 increased the region's
prosperity; today the county is one of the most vibrant and
fastest-growing regions of Texas, ripe with talented individuals
dedicated to transforming it into a top place to live, work, and
play; the county is considered a major port of entry into the
United States, and the shipment of goods from Mexico is an
essential part of the county's economy; and
WHEREAS, This economic prosperity is a product of the hard
work of its citizens, who are well served by the University of
Texas--Pan American in Edinburg and South Texas College; the
county also pays tribute to its heritage and learns of others'
with several cultural venues and events, including the Museum for
South Texas History, the International Museum of Art and Science,
the Valley Symphony Orchestra and Chorale, and an up-and-coming
art and entertainment district in the City of McAllen; and
WHEREAS, Residents and visitors alike enjoy the many
attractions of Hidalgo County; the Texas Citrus Fiesta in Mission
every winter features a carnival and the Parade of Oranges; in
Weslaco, the Rio Grande Valley Onion Festival in April includes
food booths, entertainment, and onion recipe contests; the Rio
Grande Valley Livestock Show in Mercedes draws an average
attendance of 160,000 every March; and
WHEREAS, Shoppers frequent the Delta Mercado, an outdoor
and indoor artisan market in the Delta Region which opened in
2008, and other major retail venues across the county; visitors
from around the world make pilgrimages to San Juan to visit the
Basilica of Our Lady of San Juan del Valle-National Shrine; and
with nearly 400 species of birds, the Santa Ana National Wildlife
Refuge near Alamo is an international destination for birders;
and
WHEREAS, Led by County Judge J. D. Salinas and County
Commissioners Sylvia S. Handy, Hector "Tito" Palacios, Joe M.
Flores, and Oscar L. Garza, Jr., the residents of this dynamic
region of the Lone Star State have much to be proud of, as they
celebrate the past and work to build a bright and prosperous
future; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st
Legislature, hereby recognize February 10, 2009, as Hidalgo
County Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting
delegation sincere best wishes for an informative and enjoyable
visit to Austin.
Lucio, Hinojosa
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 10, 2009.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate
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Member, Texas Senate