83R7517 BK-D
By: Kolkhorst H.R. No. 476
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Proud residents of Washington County are gathering
in Austin on February 26, 2013, to celebrate the unique role their
county has played in the history and ongoing development of the Lone
Star State; and
WHEREAS, This region of rolling prairie lies just west of the
Brazos River and remained unsettled until 1821, when members of
Stephen F. Austin's Old Three Hundred began to homestead the area;
during the Texas Revolution, the ferry crossing known as
Washington-on-the-Brazos became the headquarters of General Sam
Houston and the site of the Convention of 1836, when 59 delegates
from throughout the region declared the independence of Texas and
drafted its constitution; the town of Washington was the capital of
the new republic from 1842 to 1845; and
WHEREAS, Washington County was organized in 1837, and Brenham
became the county seat in 1844; higher education was important in
the area even in those early days; Baylor University was founded in
the county in 1846 and Soule University was founded in Chappell Hill
in 1855; today, Blinn College in Brenham carries on this proud
tradition; and
WHEREAS, Washington County's central role in the history of
Texas draws visitors from across the state and nation; the Star of
the Republic Museum, Independence Hall, and the Barrington Living
History Farm at the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site
vividly evoke the years of the Texas Republic; the Chappell Hill
Historic District includes a historical museum, a folk art
collection, a Masonic cemetery where descendants of William
B. Travis are buried, and the site of the "Official Bluebonnet
Festival of Texas" each year in April; the building housing the
Brenham Heritage Museum is also a venerable landmark and is listed
on the National Register of Historic Places; and
WHEREAS, Other popular attractions include the recreational
opportunities of Lake Somerville, three wineries, more than 40 bed
and breakfast lodging properties, the Antique Rose Emporium's
eight-acre rose and herb garden, and scenic country roads where
wildflowers bloom in profusion; every year, thousands of people
take the tour of Blue Bell Creameries in Brenham, where one of the
nation's best-selling brands of ice cream is made; visitors to the
county seat can also walk through the downtown historic district,
which features vintage stone storefronts, a host of shops and
eateries, and the plays and musical productions at Unity Theatre;
and
WHEREAS, Honoring their rich history as they continue to work
on building an even brighter future, the residents of Brenham and
Washington County have many reasons to be proud of the place they
call home; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas
Legislature hereby recognize February 26, 2013, as Washington
County Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting
delegation sincere best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable stay
in Austin.