H.R. No. 234 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Proud residents of Montague County are gathering in Austin on February 18, 2025, in celebration of Montague County Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, Situated on the Red River in the Western Cross Timbers of North Central Texas, this region was originally inhabited by the Comanche, Wichita, and Kiowa Indians; in 1858, the county was organized from portions of Cooke County and named for Daniel Montague, surveyor of the Fannin Land District and veteran of the Mexican War; when federal troops withdrew from the area during the Civil War, Indian raids caused the population to decline until the 1870s, when an organized effort was made to drive native tribes from the county; by the early 1880s, the population had grown to 11,000 people; and WHEREAS, An abundance of grasslands attracted cattlemen to the region in the 1860s, and the emergence of large cattle ranches subsequently brought railroads to the county; by 1892, it was home to three rail systems that contributed to the area's growth and development as a center for agribusiness; in the early years, the county's economy was dominated by cattle ranching and cotton production, and in the 20th century, it expanded to incorporate other crops, as well as oil and gas production; and WHEREAS, Today, Montague County is home to more than 20,000 people, and its economy benefits from the retail, health care, and educational services industries; notable communities include the county seat of Montague, as well as Saint Jo, Bowie, and Nocona, where the Nocona Boot Company was established in 1887; residents and visitors alike benefit from the recreational opportunities afforded by Lake Nocona and Amon G. Carter Lake, and outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the area for activities such as boating, fishing, and hunting; it also hosts a number of annual events, among them the Chisholm Trail Rodeo, the Jim Bowie Days Rodeo, and the Chicken and Bread Days Heritage Festival; and WHEREAS, The people of Montague County take great pride in their rich history as they work together to build an even brighter future, and it is indeed fitting to honor them for their unique contributions to the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby recognize February 18, 2025, as Montague 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. 234 was adopted by the House on March 13, 2025, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House