89R14914 HMR-D
By: Johnson, West S.R. No. 131
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Proud citizens and community leaders from Grand
Prairie are visiting the State Capitol on February 26 and 27, 2025,
and this occasion offers a welcome opportunity to honor this
vibrant North Texas city; and
WHEREAS, Located west of downtown Dallas in Dallas, Tarrant,
and Ellis Counties, Grand Prairie traces its roots back to 1863,
when A. M. Dechman's wagon broke down on his trip from Jacksonville,
Texas, to Fort Belknap with supplies for the army commissary; he
traded his broken wagon, ox team, and $200 for a 239-acre tract of
land; and
WHEREAS, The community became known as Deckman, or Dechman,
when a post office was constructed in 1874, and the arrival of the
Texas and Pacific Railway brought additional growth; the railroad
company had already started referring to the town as "Grand
Prairie," which officially became the city's name in 1877; Grand
Prairie was incorporated in 1902, and the area experienced a
significant boom during the Second World War, when a military
flight training center and an aircraft production factory were
established nearby, bringing the city's population from 1,595 to
approximately 18,000; and
WHEREAS, Today, Grand Prairie is home to more than 200,000
residents, and as part of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, it is in
one of the fastest-growing regions in the nation; the Grand Prairie
Chamber of Commerce has played an important role in enhancing the
city's economic vitality and quality of life and in promoting,
strengthening, and expanding its business community; and
WHEREAS, Residents and visitors alike benefit from the
community's many popular attractions, including the Lynn Creek Park
and Marina, the Grand Prairie Historical Museum, Asia Times Square,
and the Hong Kong Market; the city also hosts a number of annual
events, such as the Dragon Boat Festival, the Prairie Lights
Christmas display, and the Gathering at the Village; with 52 parks
and 6 lake areas, outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the city for such
activities as hiking, water sports, and camping; and
WHEREAS, Acknowledging their rich history as they work to
build an even brighter future, the citizens of Grand Prairie 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 Senate of the 89th Texas Legislature
hereby recognize February 26 and 27, 2025, as Grand Prairie Days at
the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the visiting
delegation.