H.R. No. 1280
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Alexander Farm in Austin's Pilot Knob community
recently celebrated its 175th anniversary; and
WHEREAS, One of the oldest farms in Travis County, the
Alexander Farm was founded in 1847 by Daniel Alexander, a renowned
horse breeder and trainer; he was still enslaved at the time by the
McKinney family, whose members transferred just over 73 acres to
him through a verbal contract, which was finalized at last more than
three decades later; possession of the property allowed
Mr. Alexander and his wife, Emeline, to keep their family together
and build a legacy; he continued to breed and train thoroughbreds
and quarter horses after emancipation; and
WHEREAS, Daniel Alexander's son, Milton Winston Alexander,
expanded operations by purchasing adjacent and nearby properties;
his son, Milton Everett Alexander, eventually bought out other
heirs in order to ensure the farm's continuation under family
ownership; transitioning to dairy farming, he prospered as supplier
for six different dairy companies; he and his son, Marcellus
Alexander Sr., maintained a variety of livestock; and
WHEREAS, Over the years, the Alexanders faced the same
threats from gentrification and eminent domain as other
African-American farmers; in 1968, the Texas Department of
Transportation seized five acres when it rerouted U.S. Highway 183,
cutting off the farm's original entrance and isolating a fertile
section on the other side of the freeway, which abuts the family
cemetery; while the sixth generation of Alexanders raises beef
cattle, rampant development and proposed highway construction
present new perils; ever resolute, the family has collaborated with
the Hill Country Conservancy to protect the land and partnered in
USDA initiatives that promote resiliency; the farm has been
recognized by the Texas Department of Agriculture's Family Land
Heritage program; and
WHEREAS, Black-owned farms are increasingly rare in the
United States, and Black history has too often been erased, but
through their careful stewardship, the Alexander family has
preserved and renewed a vital heritage; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the 175th anniversary of the
Alexander Farm and commend the members of the Alexander family for
their devotion to a priceless legacy; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the Alexander family as an expression of high regard by
the Texas House of Representatives.
Flores
Thompson of Harris
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 1280 was adopted by the House on May
6, 2023, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House