SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 229 WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize Erath County, the City of Stephenville, the Stephenville Independent School District, and Tarleton State University, representatives of which are gathering at the State Capitol on March 1, 2023, to celebrate their many outstanding achievements; and WHEREAS, Erath County was formed when John M. Stephen, surveyor George B. Erath, and a group of 30 pioneers settled on land that Stephen had purchased from John Blair, a friend of James Bowie, hero of the Battle of the Alamo; Stephenville was officially chosen as the Erath County seat in 1856 after Stephen agreed to donate the land, build a courthouse on the square, and establish churches; Erath County grew as an agricultural center and is now the leading milk producer of Texas; and WHEREAS, Stephenville, founded in 1854, and situated about 70 miles southwest of Fort Worth, was permanently incorporated in 1889 and became a center for agricultural and livestock production; and WHEREAS, A wonderful community with a population of more than 21,000 residents and a thriving array of industries, Stephenville is the Texas Historic Commission's newest designated Main Street community and showcases the beautiful 1892 Erath County Courthouse, designed by James Riely Gordon, renowned for his landmark Texas county courthouses, and the more than 23 city blocks that surround it; and WHEREAS, The Stephenville Independent School District provides a secure learning environment for students and prepares them to become knowledgeable and engaged citizens that contribute to society by emphasizing the core values of initiative, integrity, and growth; Stephenville's students have performed notably well on standardized tests and in the University Interscholastic League's Lone Star Cup; and WHEREAS, Stephenville is home to Tarleton State University, a member of The Texas A&M University System; the university was established on September 4, 1899, and is known for its mascot, the Texas Rider; nicknamed the "Texans," the Tarleton State student body is competitive in academics and in athletics and has students from 46 states and 32 foreign countries; the university's College of Business is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs and by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, which accredits less than five percent of the world's business schools; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, hereby commend Erath County, the City of Stephenville, Stephenville Independent School District, and Tarleton State University on their many contributions to shaping the future of our great state; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for them as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate. Birdwell ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 1, 2023. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate