TITLE: Recognizing April 16, 2025, as Real County Day at the State Capitol.

SUMMARY: Recognizing April 16, 2025, as Real County Day at the State Capitol.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Proud residents of Real County are gathering in Austin on April 16, 2025, in celebration of Real County Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, Situated along the Balcones Escarpment on the southern edge of the Edwards Plateau, this rugged region of spring-fed streams and scenic canyons was first inhabited by prehistoric peoples thousands of years ago; in the early 1700s, it was traversed by the nomadic Lipan Apache and other Native Americans, who left striking examples of rock art along the headwaters of the Nueces and Frio Rivers; a Franciscan mission was established along the Nueces River, and it operated from 1762 to 1771; and WHEREAS, Anglo American settlers began to arrive in the 1850s, and in 1857, the U.S. Army set up Camp Wood near the site of the old mission; after the Civil War, the camp was used by the army and the Texas Rangers during the years of the last Indian raids; part of the region was incorporated into Edwards County in 1883, and in 1913, the Legislature established Real County from portions of Edwards, Bandera, and Kerr Counties, naming it in honor of Julius Real, a former Kerr County judge and the only Republican in the Texas Senate at that time; in its early years, the county's economy was driven by ranching, especially the raising of sheep and angora goats, and the Uvalde and Northern Railway helped to encourage immigration into the area and connect it to national markets; and WHEREAS, Today, Real County is home to more than 2,800 people, and its economy benefits from the tourism, retail, and construction industries; notable communities include Camp Wood and Leakey, the county seat; residents and visitors alike enjoy recreational opportunities afforded by the Frio and Nueces Rivers, and outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to the area for activities such as hunting, fishing, bird-watching, and camping; each year, Camp Wood hosts its Old Settlers Reunion in Lindbergh Park, while the annual July Jubilee takes place in Leakey; and WHEREAS, Real County is blessed with a rich history and abundant natural beauty, and its residents may take great pride in their accomplishments as they continue to work toward an even brighter future; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas Legislature hereby recognize April 16, 2025, as Real County Day at the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the visiting delegation. Virdell Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 679 was adopted by the House on April 9, 2025, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House