85R19779 KSM-D
By: Guillen H.R. No. 1507
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Residents from Atascosa County are gathering in
Austin on April 24, 2017, to celebrate Atascosa County Day at the
State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, During the first part of the 19th century, the
grassy prairie region of South Texas that would become Atascosa
County attracted Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo-American settlers,
and by the time of the Texas Revolution, its ranching industry was
flourishing; in 1856, the region was sufficiently populated to be
sectioned off from Bexar County; the county seat, originally at
Navatasco, was later moved to Pleasanton, and then in 1910, voters
supported moving it again, this time to the more centrally located
town of Jourdanton; and
WHEREAS, Atascosa County is home to a number of historical
markers that highlight the area's unique history; notably, the
Battle of Medina, which took place in 1813 and influenced the fates
of Spain, Mexico, the United States, England, and France, is
commemorated with a marker in the northeastern part of the county,
and the site of the church and school community of San Augustine,
founded by heirs of Alamo defender Gregorio Esparza, is marked near
Pleasanton; and
WHEREAS, Situated near the famous Camino Real, Atascosa
County has long benefited from its proximity to major
transportation arteries linking it with the Gulf Coast, the Rio
Grande Valley, and Mexico, as well as other major population
centers; the county enjoys the economic benefits reaped by an
abundance of natural resources and, blessed with productive range
and irrigated farmland, the area is known for its agricultural
industries; additionally, other resources such as oil and gas play
a significant role in the economy; and
WHEREAS, Proud of its ranching heritage, Pleasanton, the
county's trading center, bills itself as the birthplace of the
cowboy, a designation symbolized by a large bronze statue in front
of city hall; in nearby Poteet, known to many as the Strawberry
Capital, a Strawberry Festival takes place in April, and a
seven-foot, 1,600-pound monument to the berry graces the front lawn
of the fire department; and
WHEREAS, The residents of Atascosa County have made many
notable contributions to the economy and culture of Texas, and they
may take justifiable pride in the place that they call home; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize April 24, 2017, as Atascosa County Day
at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere
best wishes for a meaningful and memorable stay in Austin.