TITLE: Recognizing March 19, 2025, as Ellis County Day.

SUMMARY: Recognizing March 19, 2025, as Ellis County Day.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the residents of Ellis County in celebrating March 19, 2025, as Ellis County Day at the Texas Capitol; and WHEREAS, A county of rural charm and natural beauty, Ellis County is located in North Central Texas and was created in 1849 from Robertson and Navarro Counties; and WHEREAS, The county was named for Richard Ellis, who was president of the Convention of 1836, which declared Texas' independence from Mexico; and WHEREAS, During the early days, the land in Ellis County served as the buffalo hunting grounds for several tribes; the earliest inhabitants and hunters were the Tonkawa, Kickapoo, Bidai, Anadarko, and Waco; and WHEREAS, Although the early settlers were chiefly stock raisers, the land has been cultivated since its first settlement in 1843, and the county remains a vibrant agricultural area; and WHEREAS, The fertile Blackland soils extend through the center of the county, and the terrain varies from gently rolling hills to level plain; on the east border are the Trinity River and Chambers Creek; and WHEREAS, The county's farming resources are diverse, with livestock, cotton, grains, and other crops contributing to its economic stability; and WHEREAS, The county seat is Waxahachie, a city which derives its name from a Native American word for "cow or buffalo creek" and was originally a part of the Chisholm Trail; and WHEREAS, This historic town has been the location of several major films and is well known for its charming Victorian style homes with gingerbread trim; and WHEREAS, The Ellis County courthouse in Waxahachie is elaborate; it was constructed with granite from Burnet County and red sandstone; Italian artisans were imported to carve the extensive stone exterior; and WHEREAS, Ennis, situated in the eastern part of the county, was designated the Bluebonnet City of Texas by the Texas Legislature in 1997; a cultural center for descendants of Czech farmers who first settled on the Blackland Prairie in 1875, Ennis is the site of the National Polka Festival, as well as the Texas Motorplex, a professional and amateur track that offers world-class auto racing; and WHEREAS, The other charming towns of Ellis County balance the comfort of small-town life with convenient access to downtown Dallas and the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport; and WHEREAS, The county is host to numerous festive events, including the Scarborough Renaissance Festival, Bethlehem Revisited, and the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails and Festival; and WHEREAS, Residents of Ellis County have preserved the natural beauty of the land and are hospitable and friendly, making Ellis County a pleasurable place to live and visit; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th Legislature, hereby express appreciation to the people of Ellis County for their contributions to the state and extend best wishes to them for a celebratory Ellis County Day at the State Capitol; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be prepared for Ellis County as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. Hall, Birdwell President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 19, 2025.