85R8852 KSM-D
By: Lang H.R. No. 264
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Proud residents of Brown County are gathering in
Austin on February 7, 2017, to celebrate Brown County Day at the
State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, Situated near the geographic center of Texas, Brown
County features rolling, hilly land drained by the Colorado River
on its southern border; early settlers came to the valleys of Pecan
Bayou and Jim Ned Creek in 1856, and the county was formed and named
for Captain Henry Stevenson Brown, a company commander in the
battle of Velasco and a delegate to the Convention of 1832; and
WHEREAS, Although the county's early economy centered on
cattle ranching, farmers moved to the area in the late 1800s, and
the arrival of two major railroad lines at the turn of the century
brought further development; in 1879, oil was discovered near the
town of Grosvenor, and commercial oil production began in the
county seat of Brownwood in 1917; and
WHEREAS, Today, Brown County has a population of more than
38,000, almost 2,000 of whom work for Kohler and 3M Company, the
largest employers in the county; additionally, Howard Payne
University, which was established in Brownwood in 1889, is home to a
vibrant community of resident and commuter students who benefit
from a variety of academic and athletic opportunities; and
WHEREAS, Brown County attracts outdoor adventurers to Lake
Brownwood State Park, which provides ample space for hiking, bird
watching, swimming, kayaking, and more; locals and visitors alike
enjoy the Brown County Museum of History, located in the old county
jail, and the 36th Division Memorial Park at Camp Bowie showcases
authentic military equipment and vehicles from World War II through
Vietnam; and
WHEREAS, The hardworking and forward-looking citizens of
Brown County are building on a long tradition of industry and
achievement, and it is indeed fitting to pay tribute to their unique
contributions to the story of the Lone Star State; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize February 7, 2017, as Brown County Day
at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere
best wishes for a meaningful and memorable stay in Austin.