SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 83
WHEREAS, Proud residents of Palo Pinto County are
gathering in Austin on January 31, 2017, to celebrate the first
Palo Pinto County Day at the State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, Named for one of its principal streams and
situated in the Western Cross Timbers Ecoregion, Palo Pinto
County covers 948 square miles of rugged, hilly land drained by
the Brazos River; the Texas Legislature formed the county in
1856, and Golconda, the county seat, was renamed Palo Pinto two
years later; and
WHEREAS, Early settlers of Palo Pinto County included
Charles Goodnight and Oliver Loving, of the famed
Goodnight-Loving Trail, who established cattle ranches in the
area; in the late 1800s, the county's economy centered on
livestock, and a meeting of area ranchers in 1876 led to the
creation of what is now known as the Texas and Southwestern
Cattle Raisers Association; over the years, oil and natural gas
production helped to diversify the local economy, and the county
has also developed a robust tourist industry with such
attractions as Lake Palo Pinto, Possum Kingdom Lake, and Lake
Mineral Wells State Park; and
WHEREAS, The community of Palo Pinto is home to the Old
Jail, built in 1880, which now serves as a museum complex and
hosts a variety of events, including the annual Frontier Days and
Old Settlers Reunion; and
WHEREAS, The largest city in Palo Pinto County is Mineral
Wells, which was first settled in 1877 by James and Amanda Lynch;
afterdiggingawell,thecouplefoundthattheunusual-tasting
water seemed beneficial to their health, and in 1885, the Crazy
Well was dug and the town gained popularity as a center for
wellness and recreation; today, the city remains a notable
attraction for retirees and tourists alike, and citizens pay
tribute to their heritage with the annual Crazy Water Festival;
Mineral Wells is also the site of the Baker Hotel, which was
frequented in its heyday by notable Hollywood stars, including
Ronald Reagan, Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, Judy Garland, Will
Rogers, and the Three Stooges; and
WHEREAS, The people of Palo Pinto County take great pride
in their rich history as they work together to build an even
brighter future, and it is indeed a privilege to honor them and
their unique region of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
Legislature, hereby recognize January 31, 2017, as Palo Pinto
County Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting
delegation sincere best wishes for an informative and enjoyable
stay in Austin.
Estes
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on January 31, 2017.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate