SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 176 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the many proud Northeast Texas residents who are visiting Austin to celebrate Rains County Day at the State Capitol on February 22, 2011; and WHEREAS, Rains County was created in the late 1800s from Hopkins, Hunt, and Wood Counties; the county and its seat, Emory, were named in honor of Emory Rains, an early pioneer who served in the Congress of the Republic of Texas; and WHEREAS, Rains County is one of the smallest counties in the state but was the 20th fastest-growing county in the country in 2003; and WHEREAS, Situated between Lake Tawakoni and Lake Fork Reservoir, this lovely area is blessed with an abundant water supply and fertile soil characteristic of the Blackland Prairie region; the county initially prospered as a thriving agricultural and ranching center and today enjoys a diverse economy that includes oil production, manufacturing, and tourism; and WHEREAS, Emory, which was originally known as Springville, is now the largest town in Rains County with just over 1,000 people; it is home to the Rains County Fair Grounds and the annual Eagle Fest celebration held in February, when the county's lakes are the winter home of many American bald eagles and other rare birds; and WHEREAS, The City of Point was incorporated in the 1960s and is recognized as the birthplace of the National Farmers Union, an organization that has grown to include more than 300,000 members; the 10 founding fathers of the National Farmers Union are memorialized by a historic monument in the city which incorporates a statue of the union's founder, Isaac Newton Gresham, and a display of the state flags of the Union's member states; and WHEREAS, The county's youngest municipality, East Tawakoni, was incorporated in the 1960s and has experienced significant growth in recent years; this resort area offers residents the benefits of a relaxed rural community while providing easy access to Dallas; and WHEREAS, Proof positive that good things do come in small packages, Rains County has indeed played a vital role in the development of the Lone Star State, and it is a pleasure to join with our fellow Texans in saluting the county and its fine citizens; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby recognize February 22, 2011, as Rains County Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation from Rains County sincere best wishes for an informative and memorable stay in Austin; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared as a memento of this special occasion. Deuell ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 7, 2011. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate