2025S0333-1 04/15/25
By: Zaffirini S.R. No. 445
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize the proud residents of La Salle County who are gathered
in Austin on April 24, 2025, to celebrate La Salle County Day at
the State Capitol; and
WHEREAS, Situated in South Texas and traversed by the
Nueces and Frio Rivers, the area that is now La Salle County has
been inhabited for approximately 11,000 years; in the 1850s, the
United States Army briefly operated the Fort Ewell outpost on the
road from San Antonio to Laredo, and by 1871, some 60 people lived
in the nearby town of Guajoco; a number of ranchers moved into the
region, and in 1880, the county was formally organized, with
Stuart's Ranch near Guajoco designated as its first seat of
government; soon after, the International-Great Northern
Railroad extended its line into the county, with land being
donated by Joseph Cotulla, an area landowner who wanted to
encourage the railroad to pass through the townsite he was
developing; over the years, Cotulla became the most populous town
in the county, and the county seat was eventually relocated
there; and
WHEREAS, During the first decades of the 20th century, the
introduction of commercial agriculture ushered in a new period of
development, and national advertising campaigns attracting
numerous settlers to the area led the county's population to
double to more than 4,700 residents by 1910; in addition to
cattle ranching, lucrative crops such as onions, peaches, pears,
plums, figs, and cotton became staples of the local economy; the
first oil well in the county was drilled in 1940, and oil
production continued to increase over the succeeding decades to
reach more than two million barrels of crude oil produced in
1990; and
WHEREAS, Since 2008, shale oil production has further
bolstered the county's economic prosperity; its population of
more than 6,600 residents is concentrated in the cities of
Encinal and Cotulla, which is home to the county's courthouse and
airport; and
WHEREAS, Even as they celebrate their unique heritage, the
citizens of La Salle County are looking ahead to the
opportunities of the future, and they may reflect with pride on
their contributions to the story of the Lone Star State; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th
Legislature, hereby recognize April 24, 2025, as La Salle County
Day at the Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the visiting
delegation; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
the county in honor of this special occasion.