TITLE: Recognizing February 22, 2011, as Washington County Day at the State Capitol.

SUMMARY: Recognizing February 22, 2011, as Washington County Day at the State Capitol.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Proud residents of Washington County are gathering in Austin on February 22, 2011, to celebrate the unique role their county has played in the history and ongoing development of the Lone Star State; and WHEREAS, The French explorer La Salle and his party, who are thought to have passed through in the 1680s, may have been the first European visitors to the area, and in 1821, settlers recruited by Stephen F. Austin began to homestead the region; during the Texas Revolution, the ferry crossing known as Washington-on-the-Brazos became the headquarters of General Sam Houston and the site of the Convention of 1836, where 59 delegates declared Texas independent and drafted a constitution; the town of Washington was the capital of the new republic from 1842 to 1845; and WHEREAS, Washington County was organized in 1837, and Brenham became the county seat in 1844; the county's prospects were improved by the thousands of immigrants from Germany and Poland who arrived during the 1860s and 1870s, and its economy was further spurred by the arrival of the railroad in 1880; in those years, cotton, corn, and poultry were the region's mainstays; and WHEREAS, The area played an important role in the history of higher education in Texas; Baylor University was founded in the county in 1845, and in 1856 Soule University, a precursor to Southwestern University, was founded in Chappell Hill; today, Blinn College in Brenham carries on this proud tradition; and WHEREAS, Washington County's central role in the history of Texas draws visitors from across the state; the Star of the Republic Museum, Independence Hall, and the Barrington Living History Farm at the Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historic Site vividly evoke the years of the Texas Republic; the Chappell Hill Historic District hosts the "Official Bluebonnet Festival of Texas" each April and is home to a museum and a Masonic cemetery containing descendants of William B. Travis; in addition, the building housing the Brenham Heritage Museum is a venerable landmark that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places; and WHEREAS, Other popular attractions include Lake Somerville, several wineries, more than 40 bed and breakfast establishments, the Antique Rose Emporium, and scenic country roads where wildflowers bloom in profusion; every year, thousands of people take the tour of Blue Bell Creameries, where one of the nation's best-selling brands of ice cream is made; and WHEREAS, Honoring their rich history even as they work to build a bright future, the residents of Washington County have many reasons to be proud of the place they call home; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas Legislature hereby recognize February 22, 2011, as Washington County Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere best wishes for an enjoyable and memorable stay in Austin. Kolkhorst Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 429 was adopted by the House on February 22, 2011, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House