85R8536 KSM-D
By: Holland H.R. No. 426
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Proud residents of Rockwall County are gathering in
Austin February 26-28, 2017, to celebrate Rockwall County Days at
the State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, Situated on the gently rolling Blackland Prairie of
North Texas, the region was inhabited by members of the Caddo and
Cherokee tribes before the first European resident, John O. Heath,
settled on the East Fork of the Trinity River in 1846; Rockwall
County was established in 1873, taking its name from an underground
rock formation; and
WHEREAS, The smallest county in Texas, yet among the fastest
growing, Rockwall County today boasts a population of approximately
90,000 people who are committed to economic development while
maintaining their bustling downtowns and small-community
atmosphere; and
WHEREAS, The county seat, Rockwall, was named by early
explorer T. U. Wade, who discovered a large rock wall when digging
a well in the mid-1800s; dedicated to preserving their community's
rich heritage and family-friendly environment, residents and civic
leaders are working hard to keep a small-town feel to a vibrant city
even as its population continues to grow; and
WHEREAS, The city of Heath boasts a premier residential
community located along the picturesque shores of Lake Ray Hubbard,
and its residents enjoy high property values, low tax rates, and
exemplary schools; and
WHEREAS, Looking to the future with a strong chamber of
commerce that supports local businesses, Royse City, too, is making
it a priority to preserve its roots; with a lively downtown and
superior schools, it has truly become an ideal spot to call home;
and
WHEREAS, In an area known for its rich blackland soil, the
town of McLendon-Chisholm dates back to the mid-1800s and is
partially named for P. A. McLendon, an area landowner, who
encouraged growth when he built a store and a blacksmith shop before
the community merged with another to become the inviting town it is
today; and
WHEREAS, Mobile City is the county's newest incorporated town
and its smallest, with nearly 200 residents; additionally, its land
area of just 0.02 square miles distinguishes it as having the
highest population density of any municipality in Texas; and
WHEREAS, Rockwall County is an exceptional place to live,
work, and raise a family, and its citizens may take justifiable
pride in their community's 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 26-28, 2017, as Rockwall
County Days at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting
delegation sincere best wishes for a meaningful and memorable stay
in Austin.