SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 343 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the citizens of Victoria County who are gathering in Austin to celebrate March 6, 2013, as Victoria County Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, Victoria County is located in southeastern Texas on the Coastal Plain; with its abundant natural grasslands and subtropical climate allowing for year-round grazing, the county became a leader in the development of the Texas cattle industry; and WHEREAS, As knowledge about cultivating prairie soils grew, commercial farming of diverse crops developed in the area in the late 1890s, and the production of corn and cotton grew in importance; and WHEREAS, The area was first colonized by Martin de Leon in 1824, with the establishment of the settlement named for the first president of Mexico, Don Guadalupe Victoria; Victoria County was one of the original 23 counties established by the First Congress of the Republic of Texas on March 17, 1836; and WHEREAS, Located in the heart of the Golden Crescent, Victoria is the county's largest city and is the county seat; since its humble beginnings in the early 1800s, the city of Victoria has become the cultural, historic, and economic hub for nearby communities and the surrounding counties; and WHEREAS, Victoria County Day is an excellent opportunity to pay tribute to the unique history and qualities of Victoria County and the many contributions it has made to our state; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby recognize March 6, 2013, as Victoria County Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere best wishes for a meaningful and memorable stay in Austin; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the citizens of Victoria County in honor of this special day. Hegar ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 4, 2013. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate