H.R. No. 136
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Proud residents of Aransas County are gathering in
Austin to celebrate Aransas County Day at the State Capitol on
February 17, 2011; and
WHEREAS, This region of coastal prairie, marshlands, and
sandy beaches was first inhabited by native peoples 8,000 years
ago, and early European visitors to the area included the famed
shipwreck survivor Cabeza de Vaca and the explorers Alonso De Leon
and Diego Ortiz Parrilla; and
WHEREAS, In 1828, the Mexican government awarded an
empresario grant to James Power and James Hewetson to enable them to
bring in settlers from Ireland and Mexico, and not long after the
Civil War, the towns of Fulton and Rockport were founded as ports
for the cattle business; Aransas County was formed in 1871 and named
after Rio Nuestra Senora de Aranzazu, a Spanish palace; and
WHEREAS, Today, the county's ample recreational
opportunities draw visitors from around the state and nation; the
variety of wildlife found in Aransas National Wildlife Refuge
includes the whooping crane, javelina, alligators, and
white-tailed deer, and the Bird Garden and Wetlands Pond in
Rockport and the Connie Hagar Cottage Sanctuary help preserve a
variety of fascinating flora and fauna; and
WHEREAS, Rockport Harbor is the home port of many popular
boating excursions for birders, dolphin-watchers, and devotees of
deep-sea fishing, while the Fulton Harbor Pier and Copano Bay State
Fishing Pier offer first-rate opportunities for angling; fresh
seafood is available year-round in the area's fine restaurants; and
WHEREAS, The county's history is evoked by the fully restored
19th century mansion at the Fulton Mansion State Historic Site,
while the Texas Maritime Museum in Rockport celebrates the marine
heritage of the Lone Star State; the Rockport Center for the Arts is
a hub for the region's thriving cultural scene, which includes such
festive annual events as the Bountiful Bowl Pottery Fair, the
Fulton Oysterfest, the Rockport Film Festival, and many others; and
WHEREAS, Blessed with great natural beauty, a rich history,
and a vibrant creative community, Aransas County is one of the
treasures of the Lone Star State, and its citizens may indeed take
great pride in their heritage as they look forward to a future
filled with opportunity; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby recognize February 17, 2011, as Aransas County
Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation
sincere best wishes for a memorable and meaningful visit to Austin.
Hunter
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 136 was adopted by the House on
February 17, 2011, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House