88R13057 CJM-D
By: Slaton H.R. No. 592
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Proud residents of Wills Point are celebrating the
150th anniversary of their city's founding in 2023; and
WHEREAS, Wills Point traces its origins back to 1847, when
its namesake William A. Wills and his family settled in what would
later become Van Zandt County; the family traded their carriage, a
rarity on the frontier, for a log cabin, in order to provide a way
station for travelers on the Dallas-Shreveport Road; the community
was laid out at the highest elevation point between Fort Worth and
New Orleans when the route of the new railroad was determined, and
the town was officially established in 1873, the same year that the
Texas and Pacific Railroad line was built through the region; the
community thrived as the railway drew a number of businesses to the
area; and
WHEREAS, The Wills Point post office was established in 1870,
and the town's first newspaper began publication several years
later; in 1886, a four-room school, the largest in the county,
opened its doors; in the succeeding years, the city faced many
challenges, including three devastating tornadoes, but its
citizens overcame those difficulties to build a stronger, more
resilient community; and
WHEREAS, Wills Point has continued to thrive over the
decades, and today it is a dynamic community of more than 3,700
residents; retaining its early charm, the city boasts a picturesque
historic district that features brick streets, a railroad depot
museum, and the original Wills log cabin; residents and visitors
alike can enjoy the cultural and recreational opportunities
afforded by the Wills Point Visual and Performing Arts Centre and by
Lake Tawakoni State Park; the Wills Point Chamber of Commerce also
puts on a variety of annual events, including community Halloween
and Christmas celebrations; and
WHEREAS, Wills Point has acquired a number of nicknames over
the years, including the Queen City of the Prairie, Gateway to East
Texas, and Gateway to Lake Tawakoni, and in 1995, it was designated
as the Bluebird Capital of Texas by the Texas Legislature; and
WHEREAS, Celebrating their history as they work to build an
even brighter future, the people of Wills Point are justifiably
proud of their community, and it is indeed fitting to recognize them
on this milestone anniversary; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby commemorate the 150th anniversary of Wills Point
and extend to its citizens sincere best wishes for the future; and,
be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the city as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.