89R21286 KRT-D
By: McLaughlin H.R. No. 676
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Proud residents of Carrizo Springs are gathering in
Austin on March 31, 2025, in celebration of Carrizo Springs Day at
the State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, The oldest settlement in Dimmit County, Carrizo
Springs was named by Spanish explorers for its springs and for the
cane grass that grew around them; the town was founded in 1865 by a
group of 15 families from Atascosa County, led by Levi English, with
additional settlers arriving from Goliad two years later; as the
largest and most established community in the area, it was
designated the county seat when Dimmit County was organized in
1880, and that same year, Mr. English donated a parcel of land for a
townsite; the 1880s brought the construction of homes and key
infrastructure, including the first schoolhouse, which was built by
a local Masonic group, the courthouse, and the establishment of The
Carrizo Springs Javelin newspaper; by the end of the century, the
thriving community was home to churches, grocery stores, a livery
stable, and various other businesses; and
WHEREAS, In its early years, the town's economy was driven by
sheep and cattle ranching, but after the discovery of artesian
water as a cost-effective irrigation source, agriculture became the
primary industry, attracting new settlers and increasing land
values; in 1910, the San Antonio, Uvalde and Gulf Railroad opened a
spur into Carrizo Springs, and the community officially
incorporated that year; despite periods of economic downturn,
subsequent decades saw continued growth and infrastructure
improvements, including the paving of the business district in the
late 1920s; and
WHEREAS, Today, Carrizo Springs has a population of 4,800 and
its economy benefits from the mining, oil and gas, transportation,
and hospitality industries; residents and visitors alike can enjoy
Veterans Park as well as outdoor activities afforded by nearby
lakes and the Nueces River; in addition, the city boasts such
historic landmarks as the Dimmit County Courthouse and First
Baptist Church; and
WHEREAS, Celebrating their rich history as they work to build
an even brighter future, the citizens of Carrizo Springs are
justifiably proud of their community, and it is indeed fitting to
honor 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 March 31, 2025, as Carrizo Springs Day
at the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the visiting
delegation.