TITLE: Commemorating the 150th anniversary of the city of Wills Point.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the 150th anniversary of the city of Wills Point.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Proud residents of Wills Point are celebrating the 150th anniversary of their city's founding in 2023; and WHEREAS, Wills Point traces its origins back to 1847, when its namesake William A. Wills and his family settled in what would later become Van Zandt County; the family traded their carriage, a rarity on the frontier, for a log cabin, in order to provide a way station for travelers on the Dallas-Shreveport Road; the community was laid out at the highest elevation point between Fort Worth and New Orleans when the route of the new railroad was determined, and the town was officially established in 1873, the same year that the Texas and Pacific Railroad line was built through the region; the community thrived as the railway drew a number of businesses to the area; and WHEREAS, The Wills Point post office was established in 1870, and the town's first newspaper began publication several years later; in 1886, a four-room school, the largest in the county, opened its doors; in the succeeding years, the city faced many challenges, including three devastating tornadoes, but its citizens overcame those difficulties to build a stronger, more resilient community; and WHEREAS, Wills Point has continued to thrive over the decades, and today it is a dynamic community of more than 3,700 residents; retaining its early charm, the city boasts a picturesque historic district that features brick streets, a railroad depot museum, and the original Wills log cabin; residents and visitors alike can enjoy the cultural and recreational opportunities afforded by the Wills Point Visual and Performing Arts Centre and by Lake Tawakoni State Park; the Wills Point Chamber of Commerce also puts on a variety of annual events, including community Halloween and Christmas celebrations; and WHEREAS, Wills Point has acquired a number of nicknames over the years, including the Queen City of the Prairie, Gateway to East Texas, and Gateway to Lake Tawakoni, and in 1995, it was designated as the Bluebird Capital of Texas by the Texas Legislature; and WHEREAS, Celebrating their history as they work to build an even brighter future, the people of Wills Point are justifiably proud of their community, and it is indeed fitting to recognize them on this milestone anniversary; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the 150th anniversary of Wills Point and extend to its citizens sincere best wishes for the future; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the city as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Slaton Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 592 was adopted by the House on March 30, 2023, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House