H.R. No. 619
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Citizens of Reeves County are celebrating Reeves
County Day at the State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, Habitation of Reeves County began in prehistoric
times, with the earliest residents dwelling in rock shelters and
caves in the Barrilla Hills, where artifacts and pictographs
provide clues to their way of life; by the time Spanish explorer
Antonio de Espejo visited the region in 1583, the Jumano Indians had
established irrigated crops of corn and peaches, and farmers of
Mexican descent later prospered in the fertile Madera Valley; the
first Anglo farmers settled in Toyah Valley in the early 1870s; and
WHEREAS, In 1881, the area witnessed the opening of a new
chapter in its history with the arrival of the Texas and Pacific
Railway, and the county was organized three years later; Pecos, the
county seat, attracted colorful characters as a crossroads for both
cattle trails and railroads, and its frontier days saw several
infamous gunfights; a roping and riding competition staged on the
Fourth of July in 1883 launched what is now the West of the Pecos
Rodeo, which marked its 135th anniversary in June 2018; and
WHEREAS, Ranching and farming remain critical components of
the Reeves County economy; the alkaline soil and optimal growing
conditions produce the Pecos cantaloupe, known nationwide for its
sweet flavor, as well as cotton, pecans, pistachios, and other
crops; oil and natural gas represent another aspect of the economy,
while tourists are drawn by the scenery, including such spots as the
spring-fed pool at Balmorhea State Park, and by the West of the
Pecos Museum, which offers the unique opportunity to explore the
rooms of a historic hotel and saloon; and
WHEREAS, Rich in Western heritage and natural beauty, Reeves
County can boast of many distinctive features, and its citizens may
take justifiable pride in the important role their unique region
continues to play in the story of the Lone Star State; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize Reeves County Day at the State Capitol
and extend to the visiting delegation sincere best wishes for an
informative and enjoyable stay in Austin.
Nevárez
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 619 was adopted by the House on March
21, 2019, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House