H.R. No. 292 R E S O L U T I O N WHEREAS, Proud residents and community leaders of Webb County are gathering in Austin on February 5, 2025, to celebrate Webb County Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, The land that is now Webb County has evidence of human settlement dating back approximately 11,000 years, and it is known to have been occupied by the Coahuiltecans, Comanches, and Lipan Apaches; as the sixth largest county in Texas by area, Webb County encompasses some 3,400 square miles of rolling terrain covered by native mesquite, thorny shrubs, whiplash pappusgrass, and cacti and interlaced with creeks that drain to the Nueces and Rio Grande Rivers; and WHEREAS, Webb County, founded in 1848, holds a distinguished place in the history of Texas; named in honor of Judge James Webb, former secretary of state and secretary of the treasury for the Republic of Texas, the county has helped shape the development of the state through its contributions to trade, ranching, and agriculture; and WHEREAS, During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Webb County became a major center for cattle ranching and railroad expansion, further cementing its role in Texas' economic infrastructure; the growth of cattle ranching in the county resulted in the establishment of large ranching enterprises that became economic powerhouses for the region and state, and the introduction of new breeding techniques and water management practices helped make the county a leading producer of livestock; and WHEREAS, The arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century transformed Webb County into a critical nexus for transportation, facilitating the movement of cattle, goods, and people; beyond connecting Laredo to major markets across Texas and the United States, the expansion of the rail lines spurred the region's population growth and the continued development of commerce and industry; and WHEREAS, Today, Webb County is home to around 270,000 residents; the county thrives as a leader in international trade and public service, and the presence of institutions such as Texas A&M International University make it an educational hub for the region; and WHEREAS, The people of Webb County take great pride in their rich history as they work to build an even brighter and more prosperous future, and it is indeed fitting that they be honored for their 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 5, 2025, as Webb County Day at the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the visiting delegation. McLaughlin ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 292 was adopted by the House on March 13, 2025, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House