SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 297
WHEREAS, Residents of Fannin County are gathering at the
Texas State Capitol on February 28, 2017, to celebrate Fannin
County Day, and this occasion provides an opportunity to recognize
the rich history and significant accomplishments of this notable
part of the Lone Star State; and
WHEREAS, The first nonnative settlements in the area that
would become Fannin County were established in 1836, the year
Texas won its independence from Mexico; when the county was
formed the following year, it took its name from Colonel James
Walker Fannin, Jr., a commander in the Texas revolutionary army,
who had been killed in the Goliad Massacre; Bonham, the county
seat, was named for another hero of the Texas Revolution, James
Bonham, who died at the Alamo and who is now honored with a statue
at the county courthouse; and
WHEREAS, A land of gently rolling hills that are bounded by
the Red River to the north, Fannin County provides good land for
farming and ranching, and those pursuits have been economic
mainstays since the county was established; today, cattle, corn,
wheat, milo, pecans, and hay are key products, and the many acres
of farmland in the county create a tranquil, pastoral landscape;
other industries, such as communications and manufacturing, help
to strengthen and diversify the economy; and
WHEREAS, Bonham, with a population of approximately 10,000,
is the county's largest city; it was the hometown of Sam Rayburn,
the legendary Texas politician who was a member of Congress for
48 years and who still ranks as the longest-serving speaker of
the United States House of Representatives; his legacy is recalled
at the Sam Rayburn Library and Museum and at the Sam Rayburn House
Museum; in addition, Bonham is the site of the Fannin County
Museum of History, the Creative Arts Center, and Fort Inglish
Park, which contains several restored log cabins from the 1830s
and a replica of the stockade erected in the vicinity by early
settlers; and
WHEREAS, The county also offers a number of attractions for
outdoor enthusiasts; Lake Bonham comprises more than 1,000 acres
of water, and is bordered by a golf course and camping facilities;
other lakes are found at Bonham State Park and the Caddo National
Grasslands preserve, which offer opportunities for hiking,
fishing, biking, and other activities; and
WHEREAS, The hardworking residents of Fannin County may
take pride in their area's rich history, productive businesses,
and abundant recreational activities, and it is indeed fitting
to pay tribute to their many contributions to the State of Texas;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
Legislature, hereby recognize February 28, 2017, as Fannin County
Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation
sincere best wishes for a meaningful and memorable stay in Austin.
Hall
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 28, 2017.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate