SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 131
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 State Texas, 89th
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.
Johnson, West
________________________________
President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 27, 2025.
________________________________
Secretary of the Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate
________________________________
Member, Texas Senate