SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 424
WHEREAS, Proud residents of Wilbarger County are gathering
to celebrate Wilbarger County and City of Vernon Day at the State
Capitol on March 26, 2009; and
WHEREAS, Situated upon the rolling grasslands of North
Texas, Wilbarger County was once part of the buffalo hunting
grounds of the Comanche; named for early settlers Josiah and
Mathias Wilbarger, the county was established in 1858; a branch
of the Western Trail passed through the area, and six million
longhorn traversed the Red River at Doan's Crossing during the
great cattle drives; oil, discovered in the early 20th century,
remains important to the region's economy; and
WHEREAS, County seat Vernon was originally called Eagle
Flat for the abundance of nesting eagles nearby; today, the city
is a center for farming, ranching, and the petroleum industry;
the birthplace of rock and roll legend Roy Orbison, the town is
also home to Vernon College and the Red River Valley Museum,
which chronicles the history, culture, and geography of the
region; and
WHEREAS, Established in 1849, the Waggoner Ranch, south of
Vernon, is the largest ranch in Texas under one fence and a
five-time winner of the Texas Ranch Roundup; the Santa Rosa
Palomino Club is a renowned precision equestrian riding club, and
the club's annual Santa Rosa Roundup draws thousands of visitors
and top professional rodeo riders; residents and visitors alike
also enjoy the picnic every May at Doan's Crossing, one of the
oldest annual events in Texas; and
WHEREAS, Celebrating their rich and colorful history as
they work together to build a bright future, the citizens of
Vernon and Wilbarger County may take justifiable pride in the
important role their unique region continues to play in the story
of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 81st
Legislature, hereby recognize March 26, 2009, as Wilbarger
County and City of Vernon Day at the State Capitol and extend to
the visiting delegation sincere best wishes for a memorable and
meaningful visit to Austin.
Estes
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 16, 2009.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate