H.R. No. 2669
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, For 34 million years, the ancient granite formation
known as Hueco Tanks has brooded over the high desert basin of far
West Texas, and the Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site
preserves and protects this unique piece of Lone Star history and
geology; and
WHEREAS, Situated 30 miles east of El Paso, these three
massive red hills rise 450 feet above the desert floor; the name
hueco, Spanish for "hollow," comes from the countless depressions
in the stone that hold rainwater for months at a time; for
centuries, this was often the only water to be found between the
Pecos and the Rio Grande; and
WHEREAS, Human beings have been visiting Hueco Tanks for
10,000 years, and occasionally people have even lived there, in
small wattle-and-daub structures; in more recent times, the tanks
were used by the Mescalero and Lipan Apaches, the Jumanos, the
Comanches, the Kiowas, and the Tiguas, and the site is rich in
ancient pictographs and petroglyphs; and
WHEREAS, The Butterfield Overland Mail set up a stagecoach
station at the tanks in 1858, and for many years the land formed
part of a ranch belonging to the Escontrias family; in the
mid-1960s, Hueco Tanks became an El Paso County park, and in 1969,
the county deeded the tanks to Texas Parks and Wildlife; in 1971,
the site was added to the National Register of Historic Places; and
WHEREAS, Abounding in wildlife, archaeological sites, and
fascinating geological formations, Hueco Tanks is an invaluable
resource for scientists and historians, as well as a favorite
destination for hikers, birders, and rock climbers, and the
preservation of this natural treasure as a state park represents
the continuing commitment of the people of Texas to their rich
heritage; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby recognize the lasting cultural and historical
significance of Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site and extend
to the park's staff sincere best wishes for continued success in
their important work; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Hueco Tanks State Park and Historic Site as an
expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.
M. Gonzalez of El Paso
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 2669 was adopted by the House on May
24, 2013, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House