SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 215
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize the citizens of Washington County who are visiting
the State Capitol on February 26, 2013, to celebrate their rich
heritage and the contributions their county has made to the
story of Texas; and
WHEREAS, Members of Stephen F. Austin's Old Three Hundred
began settling in the area of Washington County in the early
1820s and soon formed a community known as
Washington-on-the-Brazos; the town became a major center of
activity during the Texas Revolution and was the site of the
Convention of 1836, where delegates signed the Texas Declaration
of Independence and drafted a constitution for the new republic;
that same year, Washington County was formally created, and
later, from 1842 to 1845, Washington-on-the-Brazos served as the
capital of the republic; and
WHEREAS, Situated on the Blackland Prairies, the region
attracted substantial immigration and developed quickly;
included in the flow of newcomers were Germans, Czechs, and
Poles, who began arriving in the mid-19th century; residents
had several colleges to choose from, including Baylor
University, which was established in Independence in 1846, and
Soule University, which eventually merged with other schools
to become Southwestern University; today, that early tradition
of higher education is carried on at Blinn College, founded in
1883, in Brenham, the county seat; and
WHEREAS, Thanks to its natural beauty and prominent role in
early Texas history, Washington County is a popular tourist
destination; visitors can drive scenic country roads, enjoy
the recreation afforded by Somerville Lake, and step into the
past at museums in Brenham, Burton, Chappell Hill, and
Independence; moreover, the Star of the Republic Museum in
Washington-on-the-Brazos tells the story of the Texas
Republic; and
WHEREAS, Other popular attractions include the Blue Bell
Creameries, an eight-acre antique rose garden, and a
miniature-horse farm; in addition, the area boasts such
well-known events as the Washington County Fair, which is the
oldest county fair in Texas, the Burton Cotton Gin Festival,
the Bluebonnet and Scarecrow Festivals in Chappell Hill, and
the Brenham Maifest; and
WHEREAS, This dynamic county is one of the Lone Star
State's great treasures, and it is indeed a pleasure to honor
the residents of Washington County as they look forward to a
bright and promising future; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd
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; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the
Washington County delegation to commemorate this special day.
Hegar
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 18, 2013.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate