H.R. No. 73 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Proud citizens from Hill County are visiting Austin on February 20, 2019, to celebrate Hill County Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, Located in North Central Texas east of the Brazos River, Hill County was created from a section of Navarro County by an act of the state legislature on February 7, 1853; it was named for Dr. George Washington Hill, a member of the Congress of the Republic of Texas and secretary of war and navy under President Sam Houston; on May 14, 1853, an election was held in Lexington on Jack's Branch to determine the county's first public officials, and later that same year, Hillsboro was platted and designated the county seat; and WHEREAS, Now home to more than 35,000 people, Hill County has grown with the changing times while still maintaining the appeal of a small rural county; the restored county courthouse in Hillsboro, which is listed in the National Register of Historic Places, serves as the center for county business; additionally, Hill College provides access to an array of high tech academic and workforce training educational programs, presents a popular performing arts series, and is the site of the Texas Heritage Museum with its extensive collection of Audie Murphy artifacts and a comprehensive library and archive on the Civil War; and WHEREAS, Of special interest to Texas music fans everywhere, Hill County is the birthplace of legendary singer and songwriter Willie Nelson, who was born in Abbott and graduated from high school there; and WHEREAS, Hill County communities host a number of special events each year, among them the Hill County Fair and the Cotton Pickin' Fair in Hillsboro, Pioneer Days in Whitney, the Cinco de Mayo Celebration in Itasca, and Hubbard City Trade Days, and these festivities showcase the county's hospitality, agricultural roots, scenic beauty, and heritage; residents and visitors alike also enjoy the myriad recreational opportunities offered by Lake Whitney State Park; and WHEREAS, Even as they celebrate their rich history, the hardworking citizens of Hill County are looking ahead to the opportunities of the future, and they may take great pride in their unique contributions to the story of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas Legislature hereby recognize February 20, 2019, as Hill County Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere best wishes for an informative and enjoyable stay in Austin. Harris ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 73 was adopted by the House on February 20, 2019, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House