H.R. No. 233 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Proud residents of Brown County are gathering in Austin on February 19, 2025, to celebrate Brown County Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, Situated near the geographic center of Texas, Brown County features rolling, hilly land drained by the Colorado River on its southern border; early settlers came to the valleys of Pecan Bayou and Jim Ned Creek in 1856, and the county was formed and named for Captain Henry Stevenson Brown, a company commander in the battle of Velasco and a delegate to the Convention of 1832; and WHEREAS, Although the county's early economy centered on cattle ranching, farmers moved to the area in the late 1800s, and the arrival of two major railroad lines at the turn of the 20th century brought further development; in 1879, oil was discovered near the town of Grosvenor, and commercial oil production began in the county seat of Brownwood in 1917; and WHEREAS, Today, Brown County has a population of nearly 39,000 people; the county is the site of manufacturing plants for Kohler and 3M Company, which both serve as major employers in the area; additionally, Howard Payne University, which was established in Brownwood in 1889, is home to a vibrant community of resident and commuter students who benefit from a wide range of academic and athletic opportunities; and WHEREAS, Brown County attracts outdoor enthusiasts to Lake Brownwood State Park, which provides ample space for hiking, bird watching, swimming, kayaking, and more; locals and visitors alike enjoy the Brown County Museum of History, located in the old county jail, and the 36th Division Memorial Park at Camp Bowie showcases authentic military equipment and vehicles from World War II through the Vietnam War era; and WHEREAS, The hardworking and forward-looking citizens of Brown County are building on a long tradition of industry and achievement, and it is indeed fitting to pay tribute to their unique contributions to the story of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby recognize February 19, 2025, as Brown County Day at the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the visiting delegation. Spiller ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 233 was adopted by the House on March 13, 2025, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House