TITLE: Celebrating Brewster County Day at the State Capitol.

SUMMARY: Celebrating Brewster County Day at the State Capitol.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Texas House of Representatives is pleased to join the citizens of Brewster County and Texans across the state in celebrating Brewster County Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, Located in the Trans-Pecos region of West Texas, Brewster County is the largest county in Texas and is home to Big Bend National Park, the largest park in the state; the county was established in 1887, when it was carved from Presidio County, and its county seat is Alpine, home to Sul Ross State University; and WHEREAS, Members of the Spanish expeditions of the 16th century were the first Europeans to explore the area; the county's rugged, mountainous terrain discouraged settlement until after the Civil War, when the development of the cattle industry and the arrival of the railroads, along with the presence of the United States Army, made the area safe and profitable for settlers; and WHEREAS, In the late 19th century, the discovery of mercury touched off a mining boom in the county, and by 1905, the Chisos Mining Company was supplying 20 percent of the nation's mercury; the burgeoning cattle industry, along with the production of mercury, formed the backbone of the area's economy for many years; and WHEREAS, Today, with Big Bend National Park drawing more than 250,000 visitors annually, Brewster County serves as a prime tourist destination; in addition, chili cooks and citizens from around the state and nation arrive each fall to participate in the World Championship Chili Cookoff in Terlingua; and WHEREAS, The citizens of Brewster County are rightly proud of the county's beauty, its rich history, and its many contributions to our state; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Texas House of Representatives, 83rd Legislature, hereby commend the citizens of Brewster County for preserving the county's many amenities and extend to the county's delegation a sincere welcome to Austin for Brewster County Day at the State Capitol; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be prepared for the citizens of Brewster County as an expression of esteem from the Texas House of Representatives. Nevarez Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 697 was adopted by the House on March 6, 2013, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House