SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 71 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the citizens of Hill County who are visiting Austin on February 27, 2013, to celebrate Hill County Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, This festive event is indeed an appropriate occasion to pay tribute to this unique Texas county; and WHEREAS, Hill County was created by the state legislature on February 7, 1853, from the western portion of Navarro County; it was named for Dr. George Washington Hill, the secretary of war for the Republic of Texas under President Sam Houston; and WHEREAS, The county was organized on May 14, 1853, at Lexington on Jack's Branch; over the last 160 years, Hill County has grown with the changing times while maintaining the charm and friendliness of a small rural county; and WHEREAS, The restored courthouse in Hillsboro, which was heavily damaged by fire in 1993, serves as a hub for all county business; Hill College provides for the educational needs of local citizens and further serves the region with its Performing Arts Series; the campus also houses the Texas Heritage Museum, including an extensive collection of Audie Murphy artifacts and a 10,000-volume library on the Civil War; and WHEREAS, Each year the communities of Hill County, including Hillsboro, Hubbard, Itasca, and Whitney, host a number of gala events such as the Hill County Fair, the Cotton Pickin' Fair, the Cinco de Mayo Celebration, Pioneer Days, and Hubbard City Trade Days and Festivities, and these events are an ideal showcase for the county's hospitality, agricultural roots, scenic beauty, and heritage tourism attractions; and WHEREAS, Recreational opportunities for the county's residents and visitors are provided by Lake Whitney State Park, a prime destination for camping, hiking, boating, and bird watching; additionally, the Hill County community of Abbott is the birthplace of legendary singer and songwriter Willie Nelson; and WHEREAS, The residents of Hill County are justifiably proud of their fine county, their heritage, their hospitality, and the many special qualities that make this county an outstanding place in which to live, work, and raise a family; in light of its citizenry's many contributions to the State of Texas, it is most fitting that Hill County be given legislative recognition at this time; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby declare February 27, 2013, as Hill County Day at the State Capitol; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the citizens of Hill County as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. Birdwell ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on January 28, 2013. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate