TITLE: Recognizing January 31, 2017, as Palo Pinto County Day.

SUMMARY: Recognizing January 31, 2017, as Palo Pinto County Day.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Proud residents of Palo Pinto County are gathering in Austin on January 31, 2017, to celebrate the first Palo Pinto County Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, Named for one of its principal streams and situated in the Western Cross Timbers Ecoregion, Palo Pinto County covers 948 square miles of rugged, hilly land drained by the Brazos River; the Texas Legislature formed the county in 1856, and Golconda, the county seat, was renamed Palo Pinto two years later; and WHEREAS, Early settlers of Palo Pinto County included Charles Goodnight and Oliver Loving, of the famed Goodnight-Loving Trail, who established cattle ranches in the area; in the late 1800s, the county's economy centered on livestock, and a meeting of area ranchers in 1876 led to the creation of what is now known as the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association; over the years, oil and natural gas production helped to diversify the local economy, and the county has also developed a robust tourist industry with such attractions as Lake Palo Pinto, Possum Kingdom Lake, and Lake Mineral Wells State Park; and WHEREAS, The community of Palo Pinto is home to the Old Jail, built in 1880, which now serves as a museum complex and hosts a variety of events, including the annual Frontier Days and Old Settlers Reunion; and WHEREAS, The largest city in Palo Pinto County is Mineral Wells, which was first settled in 1877 by James and Amanda Lynch; afterdiggingawell,thecouplefoundthattheunusual-tasting water seemed beneficial to their health, and in 1885, the Crazy Well was dug and the town gained popularity as a center for wellness and recreation; today, the city remains a notable attraction for retirees and tourists alike, and citizens pay tribute to their heritage with the annual Crazy Water Festival; Mineral Wells is also the site of the Baker Hotel, which was frequented in its heyday by notable Hollywood stars, including Ronald Reagan, Clark Gable, Carole Lombard, Judy Garland, Will Rogers, and the Three Stooges; and WHEREAS, The people of Palo Pinto County take great pride in their rich history as they work together to build an even brighter future, and it is indeed a privilege to honor them and their unique region of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby recognize January 31, 2017, as Palo Pinto County Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere best wishes for an informative and enjoyable stay in Austin. Estes President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on January 31, 2017.