TITLE: Recognizing Pecos County Day at the State Capitol.

SUMMARY: Recognizing Pecos County Day at the State Capitol.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Proud residents of Pecos County are coming together in Austin to observe Pecos County Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, A region characterized by desert brushland, stately mesas, and arroyos, Pecos County was formally established in 1871 by the Texas Legislature and named for the Pecos River that flows along the county's northern boundary; the area's history of settlement dates back as early as 1300 A.D., and later inhabitants traveled by way of the Comanche Trail, a major thoroughfare that once crossed Pecos County; moreover, traders on the Chihuahua expedition of 1840 also passed through the area; and WHEREAS, The county seat of Fort Stockton derives its name from the area's first permanent settlement, an army outpost installed in 1859 to guard the postal route; with its favorable proximity to Comanche Springs, Fort Stockton developed into a supply center for the military, mail carriers, wagon trains, and travelers and was the site of one of the first modern attempts at irrigation farming in Texas; and WHEREAS, Construction of the Kansas City, Mexico and Orient Railway Company of Texas in 1913 contributed to the economy, and irrigation projects also attracted land buyers, spurring the creation of communities like Baldridge, Girvin, Imperial, Chancellor, Belding, and Buena Vista; and WHEREAS, The discovery of oil at Yates Field in 1927 opened what would become one of the largest oil fields in the country, and the county subsequently experienced an oil boom that gave rise to the towns of Red Barn, Iraan, and Bakersfield; and WHEREAS, Today, petroleum continues to be the foundation of the county's economy, while the area produces cantaloupes, carrots, bell peppers, peaches, and pecans, and livestock raised include cattle, sheep, and Angora goats; and WHEREAS, An array of cultural events that attract residents of Fort Stockton and its neighboring communities include the Pecos County Livestock Show, the summer Water Carnival, and various rodeos, cook-offs, community theater productions, country and folk music concerts, and holiday celebrations that span the calendar year; the county is also visited by tourists who come through Fort Stockton on trips to Big Bend National Park; and WHEREAS, Pecos County is a unique and fascinating part of the Lone Star State, and it is most fitting to take this opportunity to honor its citizens for working to preserve their colorful past while they build an even brighter future for the region they call home; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby recognize Pecos County Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation best wishes for a meaningful and memorable stay in Austin. Nev rez Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 363 was adopted by the House on February 10, 2015, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House