H.R. No. 636
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, On March 1, 2011, proud residents of Austin County
are gathering at the State Capitol to celebrate their county's
achievements and unique place in the history of the Lone Star State;
and
WHEREAS, The area that would become Austin County was one of
the locations settled by the initial colonists who were brought to
Texas by Stephen F. Austin; the first English-language newspaper in
Texas, the Gazette, was launched in 1829 in the colony's main town,
San Felipe de Austin; this settlement played an important part in
the Texas Revolution, briefly serving as capital of the provisional
government; and
WHEREAS, San Felipe became the county seat on the founding of
Austin County in 1837 but was soon supplanted by Bellville;
beginning in the 1830s, Czech and German immigrants settled in the
county, establishing new lives in a new land and contributing their
time-honored traditions and values to further enrich the culture of
Texas; and
WHEREAS, Today, tourism has joined agribusiness and
manufacturing as a key component of the area's economy; the county's
colorful past provides many splendid attractions, including the San
Felipe de Austin State Historic Site, which includes the Stephen F.
Austin State Visitors Center, housed in the historic J. J. Josey
store; nearby is Stephen F. Austin State Park, an outstanding
destination for hiking, fishing, and other recreational pursuits;
moreover, countless travelers come to Austin County in the spring
for the scenic vistas of bluebonnets and other wildflowers; and
WHEREAS, The county also includes many dance halls and other
examples of vintage architecture as well as numerous historical
markers and cemetery designations; these sites are a credit to the
preservation efforts of local and state historical commissions and
serve as reminders of the traditions of area residents and events
that have transpired over the years; and
WHEREAS, Austin County maintains its pastoral charm and its
many links to the past even as it prepares for the opportunities of
the future, and it is most fitting to take this opportunity to honor
this part of the Lone Star State and the industrious people who make
their homes there; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby recognize March 1, 2011, as Austin County Day
and extend to its delegation sincere best wishes for an enjoyable
and rewarding visit to the State Capitol.
Kolkhorst
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 636 was adopted by the House on March
1, 2011, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House