85R9813 KSM-D
By: Schubert H.R. No. 358
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Proud citizens of Washington County are visiting the
State Capitol on February 21, 2017, to celebrate their rich
heritage and the contributions their county has made to the story of
Texas; and
WHEREAS, In the early 1820s, members of Stephen F. Austin's
Old Three Hundred began settling in the area of Washington County,
and they soon formed a community known as Washington-on-the-Brazos;
the town became a major center of activity during the Texas
Revolution, and it was the site of the Convention of 1836, where
delegates signed the Texas Declaration of Independence and drafted
a constitution for the new republic; that same year, Washington
County was formally created, and later, from 1842 to 1845,
Washington-on-the-Brazos served as the capital of the republic; and
WHEREAS, The population of the area grew quickly with the
arrival of newcomers from Germany, Czechoslovakia, and Poland;
residents had several colleges to choose from, including Baylor
University, which was established in Independence in 1846, and
Soule University, which eventually merged with other schools to
become Southwestern University; today, that early tradition of
higher education is carried on at Blinn College, founded in 1883, in
Brenham, the county seat; and
WHEREAS, The late 1800s were a time of rapid development, and
as more homes and businesses were built, the need for services to
protect the community became critical; the Brenham Fire Department
was established to help meet those needs, and in 2017, it is marking
its 150th anniversary; and
WHEREAS, Another venerable organization that was formed to
serve the citizens of the area is the Washington County Chamber of
Commerce, which celebrated the 100th anniversary of its founding on
January 31, 2017; among its many accomplishments, the chamber has
created numerous opportunities for education and networking,
including an annual 10-month training program, Leadership
Washington County; and
WHEREAS, Thanks to its natural beauty and prominent role in
early Texas history, Washington County is a popular tourist
destination; visitors can drive scenic country roads, enjoy the
recreation afforded by Lake Somerville, and step into the past at
museums in Brenham, Burton, Chappell Hill, and Independence;
moreover, the Star of the Republic Museum in
Washington-on-the-Brazos tells the story of the Texas Republic; and
WHEREAS, Other popular attractions include Blue Bell
Creameries, an eight-acre antique rose garden, the Downtown Brenham
historic district, four wineries, a microbrewery, and more than 40
bed-and-breakfasts; in addition, the area can boast of such
well-known events as the Washington County Fair, which is the
oldest county fair in Texas, along with the Burton Cotton Gin
Festival, the Bluebonnet and Scarecrow Festivals in Chappell Hill,
and the Brenham Maifest; and
WHEREAS, Celebrating their rich history as they work to build
an even brighter future, the residents of Washington County are
justifiably proud of their community, and it is indeed a pleasure to
honor their 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 21, 2017, as Washington
County Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting
delegation sincere best wishes for a meaningful and memorable stay
in Austin.