SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 219
WHEREAS, Citizens of Washington County are visiting the
Capitol on February 24, 2009, to celebrate their rich heritage
and the role their county has played in building the Lone Star
State; and
WHEREAS, Members of Stephen F. Austin's Old Three Hundred
began settling in the area of Washington County in 1821; in 1836,
at Washington-on-the-Brazos, delegates signed the Texas
Declaration of Independence and drafted a constitution for the
new republic; later, from 1842 to 1845, this community served as
the capital of the republic; and
WHEREAS, Washington County was created in 1836 and was
organized the following year; situated on the Blackland
Prairies, the region attracted substantial immigration and
developed quickly; included in the flow of newcomers were
Germans, Czechs, and Poles, who began arriving in the mid-19th
century; and
WHEREAS, In the 1840s and 1850s, the establishment of
several colleges, among them Baylor University and a precursor to
Southwestern University, testified to the dynamic nature of
Washington County; today, Blinn College, founded in 1883 in
Brenham, the county seat, carries on the county's early tradition
of higher education; and
WHEREAS, The region's natural beauty and its prominent role
in early Texas history have made Washington County a popular
tourist destination; visitors can wander its scenic country
roads, enjoy the recreation afforded by Somerville Lake, and step
into the past at the museums in Brenham, Burton, Chappell Hill,
and Independence museums; the Star of the Republic Museum in
Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historical Park tells the story
of the Texas Republic; and
WHEREAS, Other popular attractions include the Blue Bell
Creameries, an eight-acre antique rose garden, and a miniature
horse farm; the county's well-known festivals include the
Washington County Fair, which is the oldest county fair in Texas,
Burton's Cotton Gin Festival, Chappell Hill's Bluebonnet and
Scarecrow festivals, and Brenham's Maifest; and
WHEREAS, The industrious residents of this Texas county
are preserving the best of their past and looking forward to the
challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, and it is indeed a
pleasure to honor them at this time; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st
Legislature, hereby recognize February 24, 2009, as Washington
County Day at the State Capitol and extend to the delegation
present on this day sincere best wishes for an enjoyable and
memorable visit; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared in
honor of this event.
Hegar
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 17, 2009.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate