89R14318 KRT-D
By: Shofner H.C.R. No. 81
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, With its location along one of Texas' earliest and
most important travel routes, the town of Milam played a pivotal
role in the early settlement of the Lone Star State; and
WHEREAS, Even before the arrival of European colonists, this
site near the Sabine River was a well-known stop along a trail used
by Native Americans; members of the Caddo tribe often visited a
watering place near the present-day location of the town, and the
site subsequently gained the name of Las Borregas; and
WHEREAS, When the Spanish attempted to assert a stronger hold
on the region in the late 1600s and early 1700s, missionaries and
soldiers traveled to the area along the same route; it came to be
known as El Camino Real de los Tejas and, later, as the Old San
Antonio Road and the King's Highway; the path of this historic
travel artery is now traced by Highway 21, a portion of which forms
Milam's main east-west thoroughfare; and
WHEREAS, When Spain opened Texas to Anglo American settlement
in the early 1800s, Stephen F. Austin traveled El Camino Real on his
way to San Antonio to secure the land grants for the initial
colonists; in July 1821, he spent his first night in Texas at a
campsite on Borregas Creek; the town was established in 1828 and was
originally called Red Mound before being renamed in honor of
Benjamin Rush Milam, a notable figure in the Texas Revolution; and
WHEREAS, Under the Republic of Texas, the community served as
a port of entry, which contributed to its rapid growth; a customs
house, inns, taverns, and two large racetracks were constructed,
and Milam became an important passageway for people traveling west
to carve a new destiny in Texas; during the Civil War, the town
became the county headquarters for the Army Quartermaster
Department of the Confederacy; and
WHEREAS, Today, Milam continues its tradition of welcoming
visitors; its rich history can be appreciated at such sites as the
Milam Cemetery and at restored homes in the area that date to the
early 1800s; each November, the Milam Settlers Organization
celebrates the town's storied past at the Milam Settlers Day
gathering in El Camino Park; and
WHEREAS, Through its connection to the famed El Camino Real
de los Tejas and the early history of Texas, Milam has contributed
greatly to the development of the Lone Star State, and this proud
heritage is indeed deserving of special recognition; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas
hereby designate Milam as the official Gateway Capital of Texas;
and, be it further
RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of
Section 391.003(e), Government Code, this designation remain in
effect until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is
finally passed by the legislature.