H.R. No. 419
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Proud citizens of Rusk County are assembling at the
Texas State Capitol to celebrate Rusk County Days on March 29 and
30, 2017; 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 No. 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, The people of Rusk County take great pride in their
rich history as they work together to build an even brighter future,
and it is indeed fitting to honor them and 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 March 29 and 30, 2017, as Rusk County
Days at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation
sincere best wishes for a meaningful and memorable stay in Austin.
Clardy
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 419 was adopted by the House on March
2, 2017, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House