87R6429 CW-D
By: Thompson of Brazoria H.R. No. 1484
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The members of the House of Representatives of the
87th Texas Legislature are pleased to recognize Brazoria County and
to honor its residents for the important contributions they are
making to the Lone Star State; and
WHEREAS, This section of coastal prairie along the Brazos
River was settled in the 1820s by members of Stephen F. Austin's Old
Three Hundred; Henry Smith of Brazoria served as the first
American-born governor of the Mexican territory of Texas and as a
leader of the movement for independence; the town of Columbia was
the capital of Texas during the first Texas Congress, and in 1836,
Brazoria County became one of the original counties established by
the new republic; and
WHEREAS, Farming and ranching initially constituted the
mainstays of the county's economy; the discovery of oil and sulfur
deposits in the early 20th century helped the region grow, and
chemical processing became increasingly important during World
War II and after; commercial fishing and the recreation industry
have helped to ensure continuing economic development; and
WHEREAS, Today, the numerous cities and towns of Brazoria
County boast excellent schools and affordable housing; visitors and
residents alike take great pleasure in miles of sandy beaches, bay
and offshore fishing, scuba diving, outstanding bird-watching, and
the Brazoria and San Bernard National Wildlife Refuges; the county
is also home to such attractions as the Varner-Hogg Plantation
State Historic Site, and the county seat of Angleton traditionally
hosts the Brazoria County Fair, one of the largest events of its
kind in Texas; and
WHEREAS, The educational opportunities available to students
at Alvin Community College, Brazosport College, and the University
of Houston-Clear Lake Pearland Campus further enhance the quality
of life in the county; and
WHEREAS, The largest chemical complex in North America, the
Texas Gulf Coast Regional Airport, and a flourishing health care
industry are among the major contributors to economic growth in the
county, and Port Freeport, ranked 10th in chemicals, 19th in total
tonnage, and 26th in containers in the United States, is one of the
fastest-growing ports on the Gulf Coast; and
WHEREAS, The people of Brazoria County take great pride in
their rich history as they work together to build an even brighter
future, and it is indeed appropriate to take this opportunity to
honor them; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize Brazoria County and extend to its
citizens sincere best wishes for the future.