H.R. No. 2704
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Proud residents of Caldwell County are gathering in
Austin on May 13, 2015, to celebrate Caldwell County Day at the
State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, Caldwell County was formed in 1848 out of territory
from Bastrop and Gonzales Counties and is named for Mathew
Caldwell, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence; and
WHEREAS, For many years, the county's economy was based on
agriculture; thousands of cattle were driven north on the Chisholm
Trail and on other trails that passed through the county, and cotton
became a major crop in the 1890s, after A. D. Mebane developed
strains of cotton that could flourish in less fertile soils; and
WHEREAS, The 1922 discovery of oil in the Luling and Prairie
Lea area served to diversify the county's economy; today, the
production of oil and gas remains a significant factor driving
economic growth in the area, while farming, ranching, and
manufacturing also figure in the county's economic profile; and
WHEREAS, Caldwell County offers ample opportunity for
outdoor recreation, notably at Lockhart State Park and along the
San Marcos River; the county also features many buildings of
architectural interest, among them a beautifully restored
courthouse and what is believed to be the oldest unaltered
Episcopal church in Texas; the attractive character of the county
has drawn the attention of moviemakers, and numerous films have
been shot on location there, including Bernie, Temple Grandin, and
Secondhand Lions; furthermore, Lockhart has earned recognition as
the Barbecue Capital of Texas, and Luling hosts the Watermelon
Thump, a popular annual festival complete with a rodeo, a
seed-spitting contest, and the crowning of the Watermelon Thump
Queen; and
WHEREAS, Celebrating their rich and colorful history as they
work together to build a bright future, the citizens of Caldwell
County may take justifiable pride in the important role their
unique region continues to play in the story of the Lone Star State;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize May 13, 2015, as Caldwell County Day
at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere
best wishes for an informative and enjoyable stay in Austin.
Cyrier
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 2704 was adopted by the House on May
13, 2015, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House