H.R. No. 381
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Proud residents of Washington County are gathering
in Austin on February 26, 2025, to celebrate the unique role their
county has played in the history and ongoing development of the Lone
Star State; and
WHEREAS, In 1821, settlers recruited by Stephen F. Austin
began to homestead this region of rolling hills just west of the
Brazos River; during the Texas Revolution, the ferry crossing known
as Washington-on-the-Brazos became the headquarters of General Sam
Houston and the site of the Convention of 1836, which declared the
independence of Texas; the town was the capital of the new republic
from 1842 to 1845; and
WHEREAS, Washington County was organized in 1837, and Brenham
became the county seat in 1844; the county's prospects were
improved by the thousands of immigrants from Germany and Poland who
arrived during the 1860s and 1870s, and its economy was further
spurred by the arrival of the railroad in 1880; in those years,
cotton, corn, and poultry were the region's mainstays; and
WHEREAS, The area played an important role in the history of
higher education in Texas; Baylor University was founded in the
county in 1846, and in 1855 Soule University was founded in Chappell
Hill; today, Blinn College in Brenham carries on the proud
tradition; and
WHEREAS, Washington County's central role in the history of
Texas draws visitors from across the state and nation; the Star of
the Republic Museum, Independence Hall, and the Barrington
Plantation State Historic Site at the Washington-on-the-Brazos
State Historic Site vividly evoke the years of the Texas Republic;
the Chappell Hill Historic District includes a historical museum
and a Masonic cemetery with descendants of William B. Travis and is
the site of the "Official Bluebonnet Festival of Texas," which is
held each year in April; and
WHEREAS, Other popular attractions include the recreation
opportunities of Lake Somerville, local wineries, dozens of bed and
breakfast lodging properties, the Antique Rose Emporium, the
county's scenic country roads where wildflowers bloom in profusion,
Unity Theatre, and the Barnhill Center; the county also benefits
economically from the presence of Blue Bell Creameries, where one
of the nation's best-selling brands of ice cream is made, as well as
major production and global distribution facilities for BRIANNAS
Fine Salad Dressings and its parent corporation, Del Sol Food
Company; and
WHEREAS, Honoring their rich history as they continue to
build an even brighter future, the residents of Washington County
have many reasons to be proud of the place they call home; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize February 26, 2025, as Washington
County Day at the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the
visiting delegation.
Wharton
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 381 was adopted by the House on March
13, 2025, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House