SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 435 WHEREAS, Residents from Atascosa County are gathering in Austin on April 2, 2019, to celebrate Atascosa County Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, During the first part of the 19th century, the grassy prairie region of South Texas that would become Atascosa County attracted Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo-American settlers, and by 1856, the region was sufficiently populated to be sectioned off from Bexar County; the county seat, originally at Navatasco, was later moved to Pleasanton, and then in 1910, voters supported moving it again, this time to the more centrally located town of Jourdanton; and WHEREAS, Atascosa County is home to a number of historical markers that highlight the area's unique history; notably, the Battle of Medina, which took place in 1813 and influenced the fates of Spain, Mexico, the United States, England, and France, is commemorated with a marker in the northeastern part of the county, and the site of the church and school community of San Augustine, founded by heirs of Alamo defender Gregorio Esparza, is marked near Pleasanton; and WHEREAS, Situated near the famous Camino Real, Atascosa County has long benefited from its proximity to major transportation arteries linking it with the Gulf Coast, the Rio Grande Valley, and Mexico, as well as other major population centers; the county enjoys the economic benefits reaped by an abundance of natural resources and, blessed with productive rangeandirrigatedfarmland,theareaisknownforitsranching and agriculture; additionally, the oil and gas industry also plays a significant role in the economy; and WHEREAS, Pleasanton, the county's trading center, bills itself as the birthplace of the cowboy, a designation symbolized by a large bronze statue in front of city hall; in nearby Poteet, known to many as the Strawberry Capital, a Strawberry Festival takes place in April, and a seven-foot, 1,600-pound monument to the berry graces the front lawn of the fire department; and WHEREAS, The residents of Atascosa County have made many notable contributions to the economy and culture of Texas, and they may take justifiable pride in the place that they call home; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th Legislature, hereby recognize April 2, 2019, as Atascosa County Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere best wishes for a meaningful and memorable stay in Austin. Flores ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 19, 2019. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate