SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 122 WHEREAS, Proud citizens of Brazoria County are gathering in Austin to celebrate Brazoria County Day at the State Capitol on February 25, 2025; and WHEREAS, This section of coastal prairie along the Brazos River was settled in the 1820s by members of Stephen F. Austin's Old Three Hundred; Henry Smith of Brazoria served as the first American-born governor of the Mexican territory of Texas and as a leader of the movement for independence; the town of Columbia was the capital of Texas during the first Texas Congress, and in 1836, Brazoria County became one of the original counties established by the new republic; and WHEREAS, Farming and ranching initially constituted the mainstays of the county's economy; the discovery of oil and sulfur deposits in the early 20th century helped the region grow, and chemical processing became increasingly important during World War II and after; commercial fishing and the recreation industry have helped to ensure continuing economic development; and WHEREAS, Today, the numerous cities and towns of Brazoria County boast excellent schools and affordable housing; visitors and residents alike take great pleasure in miles of sandy beaches, bay and offshore fishing, scuba diving, outstanding bird-watching, and the Brazoria and San Bernard National Wildlife Refuges; the county is also home to such attractions as the Nolan Ryan Center and the Varner-Hogg Plantation State Historic Site, and the county seat of Angleton annually hosts the Brazoria County Fair, one of the largest events of its kind in Texas; and WHEREAS, The educational opportunities available to students at Alvin Community College, Brazosport College, and the University of Houston-Clear Lake at Pearland further enhance the quality of life in the county; and WHEREAS, The largest chemical complex in North America, the Texas Gulf Coast Regional Airport, and a flourishing health care industry are among the major contributors to economic growth in the county, and Port Freeport, ranked 15th in the United States in total tonnage, is one of the fastest-growing ports on the Gulf Coast; and WHEREAS, The people of Brazoria County take great pride in their rich history as they work together to build an even brighter future, and it is indeed appropriate to take this opportunity to honor them; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby recognize February 25, 2025, as Brazoria County Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation best wishes for an informative and enjoyable stay in Austin. Huffman, Middleton ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 25, 2025. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate