SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 287
WHEREAS, Citizens of Reeves County are gathering in Austin
on February 28, 2019, to celebrate 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,andothercrops;oilandnaturalgasrepresent
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 Senate of the State of Texas, 86th
Legislature, hereby recognize February 28, 2019, as Reeves
County Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting
delegation sincere best wishes for an informative and enjoyable
stay in Austin.
Flores
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 27, 2019.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate