SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 449
WHEREAS, Proud citizens of Rusk County are assembling at
the Texas State Capitol to celebrate Rusk County Days on March 31
and April 1, 2015; and
WHEREAS, A picturesque region of rolling hills in the Piney
Woods of East Texas, Rusk County was first occupied by the Caddo
and the Cherokee tribes; the first European settlers arrived in
the 1830s, and on January 16, 1843, the county was formed by act
of the Congress of the Republic of Texas and named after Thomas
Jefferson Rusk, secretary of war under Texas President Sam
Houston; and
WHEREAS, For many years, the county's economy was based on
cotton and other agriculture, but on October 3, 1930, Columbus
Marion "Dad" Joiner struck oil at his famous Daisy Bradford
Number 3 well, opening up the East Texas oil field, which at the
time was the largest oil field in the world; three years later,
Rusk County was producing over 200 million barrels of petroleum a
year, turning county seat Henderson from a sleepy village to a
bustling boomtown; and
WHEREAS, Oil and agriculture continue to be mainstays of
the county's economy, along with natural gas, timber, and the
mining of lignite coal; in addition, Rusk County's bricks, made
from the region's unique clay soil, are highly prized; the county
economy is further bolstered by two correctional institutions,
including the Bradshaw State Jail in Henderson; and
WHEREAS, Only two miles from "Dad" Joiner's original well,
the Gaston Museum in Joinerville commemorates the history of the
East Texas oil field; in Henderson, the Depot Museum, a
beautifully restored Missouri Pacific railway depot from 1901,
hosts the annual Heritage Syrup Festival every November;
recreational opportunities abound in the county's parks,
including Martin Creek Lake State Park, which offers swimming,
boating, fishing, waterskiing, and other activities; and
WHEREAS, Honoring their heritage as they embrace the
opportunities of the future, the citizens of Rusk County may take
great pride in the role their communities have played in the
story of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th
Legislature, hereby recognize March 31 and April 1, 2015, as Rusk
County Days at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting
delegation sincere best wishes for an informative and enjoyable
stay in Austin.
Eltife
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 30, 2015.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate