TITLE: Recognizing May 13, 2015, as Caldwell County Day at the State Capitol.

SUMMARY: Recognizing May 13, 2015, as Caldwell County Day at the State Capitol.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Proud residents of Caldwell County are gathering in Austin on May 13, 2015, to celebrate Caldwell County Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, Caldwell County was formed in 1848 out of territory from Bastrop and Gonzales Counties and is named for Mathew Caldwell, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence; and WHEREAS, For many years, the county's economy was based on agriculture; thousands of cattle were driven north on the Chisholm Trail and on other trails that passed through the county, and cotton became a major crop in the 1890s, after A. D. Mebane developed strains of cotton that could flourish in less fertile soils; and WHEREAS, The 1922 discovery of oil in the Luling and Prairie Lea area served to diversify the county's economy; today, the production of oil and gas remains a significant factor driving economic growth in the area, while farming, ranching, and manufacturing also figure in the county's economic profile; and WHEREAS, Caldwell County offers ample opportunity for outdoor recreation, notably at Lockhart State Park and along the San Marcos River; the county also features many buildings of architectural interest, among them a beautifully restored courthouse and what is believed to be the oldest unaltered Episcopal church in Texas; the attractive character of the county has drawn the attention of moviemakers, and numerous films have been shot on location there, including Bernie,Temple Grandin,and Secondhand Lions;furthermore, Lockhart has earned recognition as the Barbecue Capital of Texas, and Luling hosts the Watermelon Thump, a popular annual festival complete with a rodeo, a seed-spitting contest, and the crowning of the Watermelon Thump Queen; and WHEREAS, Celebrating their rich and colorful history as they work together to build a bright future, the citizens of Caldwell County may take justifiable pride in the important role their unique region continues to play in the story of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby recognize May 13, 2015, as Caldwell County Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere best wishes for an informative and enjoyable stay in Austin. Cyrier Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 2704 was adopted by the House on May 13, 2015, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House