SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 339
WHEREAS, Proud area residents are joining together to
celebrate Austin County Day at the State Capitol on March 31,
2015, and this occasion provides a fitting opportunity to
recognize the county's unique contribution to the story of the
Lone Star State; and
WHEREAS, American settlement in the county dates to the
early 1820s, when the area became part of Stephen F. Austin's
first colony; the first town to be established was San Felipe de
Austin, which served as the administrative seat of the colony and
as a social, cultural, and commercial center; and
WHEREAS, Austin County was created by the Constitution of
1836 and was formally organized by 1837; San Felipe was the
county seat until 1848, when the county government was moved to
Bellville; and
WHEREAS, Blessed with an abundance of water, grassland,
and forests, the county drew a steady stream of settlers, most of
whom were engaged in agriculture; a number of towns grew
substantially during the 19th century, including Bellville and
Wallis and the railroad towns of Sealy and Kenney; and
WHEREAS, During the 1800s, German and Czech immigrants
began arriving in Austin County in appreciable numbers, and
their influence is felt throughout the region in the societies
that they established and the many communities that they
founded; the cultural mosaic of the county has been further
enriched by immigrants from Mexico, the largest foreign-born
group to settle there in the 20th century, and by African
Americans, who played a fundamental role in the county's
development and in the creation of numerous social and
religious institutions; and
WHEREAS, Among the prominent Texans who have resided in
Austin County was Gail Borden Jr., a surveyor and newspaper
publisher who later invented a successful process for
condensing milk; another early citizen, Robert Justus Kleberg,
fought in the Battle of San Jacinto and held several
prestigious public offices; and
WHEREAS, Today, visitors and residents alike can explore
the county's rich heritage, preserved at the San Felipe de
Austin State Historic Site and in rural communities throughout
the area, and they enjoy hunting and fishing opportunities as
well as a wealth of special recreational events; and
WHEREAS, The citizens of Austin County have together
built a vibrant and distinctive corner of Texas, and they may
indeed take pride in their notable history as they look forward
to a future filled with promise; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th
Legislature, hereby recognize March 31, 2015, as Austin County
Day and extend to the visiting delegation a warm welcome to the
State Capitol.
Kolkhorst
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 9, 2015.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate