By: Guillen H.C.R. No. 131
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The heritage of the vaquero remains vital in South
Texas, and the central role this colorful and iconic figure has
played in the history of the Lone Star State is being celebrated
with Vaquero Day on June 30; and
WHEREAS, Renowned for their horsemanship and stock-handling
skills, vaqueros were crucial to the advance of Spanish ranching
into Texas; from the mid-18th century onward, vaqueros figured
significantly in the development of large, open-range cattle
ranches in the region between the Nueces River and the Rio Grande,
traces of which can still be seen on the land in the form of
fortified stone blockhouses, ranch outbuildings, chapels and
cemeteries, hand-dug wells, and the man-made reservoirs that made
it possible to assemble enormous herds; and
WHEREAS, With the expansion of the Texas cattle industry in
the 19th century, the vaquero's traditions shaped ranching
practices all across the state, and much of the vaquero's
equipment--his chaps, bandana, sombrero, lasso, spurs, and
saddle--
became standard gear for all Texas cowboys, while other
elements of his craft, such as mounted herding and roping
techniques, also influenced early Anglo American practices;
eventually, these vaquero-inspired methods of working cattle
spread across the High Plains and the western part of the United
States; and
WHEREAS, Today, the proud culture of the vaquero is being
kept alive by such notable organizations as the Vaqueros of South
Texas, whose members, nearly 2,500 strong, work to preserve the
vaquero tradition for future generations; and
WHEREAS, Through a deep appreciation of the land and through
skills honed over the course of centuries, the vaquero has
contributed immeasurably to the history, culture, and economy of
South Texas and to the rich ranching heritage of the Lone Star State
and the American West; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 85th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby designate June 30 as Vaquero Day; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That in accordance with the provisions of Section
391.004(d), Government Code, this designation remain in effect
until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is finally
passed by the legislature.