SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 208
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 region attracted substantial immigration and
developed quickly; included among the newcomers were Germans,
Czechs, and Poles, who began arriving in the mid-19th century;
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, Thanks to its natural beauty and prominent role in
early Texas history, Washington County is a popular tourist
destination; visitors can drive down 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 breakfast inns; 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, This dynamic county is one of the Lone Star
State's great treasures, and it is indeed a pleasure to honor the
residents of Washington County as they look forward to a bright
and promising future; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
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 memorable and enjoyable stay
in Austin.
Kolkhorst
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 15, 2017.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate