SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 167
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
honor the City of Baytown on the occasion of its 75th anniversary
of incorporation, which was celebrated on January 21, 2023; and
WHEREAS, In 1822, Nathaniel Lynch started a ferry service
at the confluence of the San Jacinto River and Buffalo Bayou near
the Gulf of Mexico; two years later, William Scott, one of
Stephen F. Austin's Old 300 settlers, established a homestead
nearby, and a community named Bay Town grew up around it; other
early settlers included Sam Houston and David G. Burnet, who each
served as president of the Republic of Texas, and Mrs. Anson
Jones, wife of the fourth and final Texas president; and
WHEREAS, The area remained mostly rural until 1908, when
oil was discovered near Tabbs Bay, and in 1916, the first
offshore drilling site in Texas was established near Goose Creek;
starting in 1917, two towns, Pelly and Goose Creek, grew up
around the oil fields, and that same year, Ross S. Sterling
founded Humble Oil and Refining Company, now known as ExxonMobil;
in 1923, Humble Oil began laying out streets, installing
utilities, and financing homes for its employees; in 1947, Pelly
and Goose Creek consolidated, and on January 24, 1948, the city
of Baytown was established, with a population of nearly 21,000
people; and
WHEREAS, Baytown residents gathered at the TEPCO Solutions
event center to commemorate their city's proud history and its
many contributions to the growth and success of the state's
economy since Baytown's incorporation on January 24, 1948; and
WHEREAS, A leader in the development of the oil and gas
industry, Baytown has been central to the petroleum industry
throughout its existence; it is where the Exxon Corporation began
in the early 20th century, and the company continues to be a major
employer in the Baytown area; and
WHEREAS, Baytown is home to stellar cultural and
educational institutions, such as Lee College, which has been
consistently recognized for its excellent programs and is one
of the top two-year colleges in the nation; the Lee College
Performing Arts Center, the Art Gallery of Baytown, and the
Baytown Public Art Program offer a variety of cultural
activities, and visitors are also drawn by opportunities for
fishing, boating, and kayaking; wildlife and birding
enthusiasts enjoy the outdoor experiences offered by the
Baytown Nature Center and the Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Education
Center, and other popular destinations in the area include
Houston Raceway Park, the Baytown Historical Museum, and the
Baytown Sculpture Trail; and
WHEREAS, The dedicated residents of Baytown work and
contribute their talents to see that their city thrives and
maintains its productivity while honoring its history and
traditions; their efforts have made Baytown a rewarding place to
live and to call home for generations of workers, students, and
families; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
Legislature, hereby commend the citizens of Baytown on their
invaluable contributions to the Lone Star State and extend to all
congratulations on the city's 75th anniversary; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared as an
expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
Middleton, Alvarado, Creighton
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 15, 2023.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate
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Member, Texas Senate
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Member, Texas Senate