H.R. No. 1146 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Many proud citizens of Dimmit County are visiting the State Capitol on March 11, 2015, to celebrate the prominent role this southwestern Texas county has played in the annals of our state; and WHEREAS, According to archeological evidence, humans have inhabited the area of Dimmit County for at least 11,000 years; the native Coahuiltecans were eventually pushed out by Apaches and Comanches, as well as by Europeans, with the Spanish passing through via the famed Old San Antonio Road in the late 1600s; and WHEREAS, Dimmit County was named after Philip Dimmitt, one of the framers of the Goliad Declaration of Independence; established in 1858, it was formally organized in 1880 with Carrizo Springs as its county seat; the town flourished, and cattle ranchers established themselves in the county; by 1890, it was home to nearly 100 farms and ranches, averaging over 4,000 acres in size; and WHEREAS, In the first decades of the 20th century, the use of underground water facilitated the introduction of commercial agriculture, bringing new settlers and soaring land values; the long growing season and new irrigation methods combined to make the county one of the most prolific vegetable-growing areas in the country, and it gained recognition as part of the Texas Winter Garden Region; and WHEREAS, Drought and the Great Depression took a toll on agriculture in the county in the first half of the 20th century, but vegetable farming rebounded following World War II; later, water supply problems again hampered farming, ranching regained dominance in the economy, and oil and gas production became increasingly important; the area continues to be known for its abundance of mineral resources; and WHEREAS, Today, Dimmit County has a population estimated at nearly 11,000, and in recent years, oil and gas company investment in the Eagle Ford Shale has brought rapid development and a rush of newcomers; and WHEREAS, The industrious citizens of this notable Texas county can take justifiable pride in its history as they prepare to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in a new era of progress; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby recognize March 11, 2015, as Dimmit County Day at the State Capitol and extend to the delegation sincere best wishes for an enjoyable and informative visit. King of Uvalde ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1146 was adopted by the House on March 11, 2015, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House