TITLE: Commemorating the 165th anniversary of Van Zandt County.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the 165th anniversary of Van Zandt County.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Proud residents of Van Zandt County are gathering on May 14, 2013, to celebrate the 165th anniversary of the county's founding; and WHEREAS, Situated on the Post Oak Savannah and Blackland Prairie of northeast Texas, Van Zandt County was originally home to the Caddo and Cherokee Indians; Anglo Americans began to settle in the area in the 1840s, clearing farmland and raising cattle along the Sabine River; and WHEREAS, Van Zandt County was created by the Texas Legislature in 1848 from part of Henderson County, and it was named for Isaac Van Zandt, a pioneer and an early leader of the Texas Republic; Canton was established as the county seat in 1850; and WHEREAS, Early residents mostly hailed from southern states such as Tennessee and Alabama, along with a small colony of Norwegian immigrants who settled at Four Mile Prairie; the anti-slavery stance of the Norwegians led to the practice of calling the county the "Free State of Van Zandt," even though the majority of the county's residents voted to join the Confederacy in 1861; and WHEREAS, After the Civil War, the county's agricultural economy grew with the arrival of the Texas and Pacific Railway in 1873; cotton began to be grown commercially after the turn of the century, and oil was discovered near the town of Van in 1929; throughout its history, the county has been known as a leading producer of salt, from the extensive mines at Grand Saline; and WHEREAS, Today, the economy of Van Zandt County continues to be based on agriculture, and the county's citizens enjoy a relaxed lifestyle while benefiting from the amenities and job opportunities in the nearby Dallas Metroplex; residents and visitors alike delight in Canton's First Monday Trade Days flea market every month, the annual Grand Saline Salt Festival, and the fishing and boating on Lake Tawakoni; and WHEREAS, The people of Van Zandt County remain proud of their rich history even as they work to build a bright future, and this special anniversary represents a fine opportunity to celebrate the heritage and promise of this unique region of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 83rd Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the 165th anniversary of Van Zandt County and extend to the county's residents sincere best wishes for a memorable and enjoyable celebration; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for Van Zandt County as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Flynn Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1519 was adopted by the House on April 24, 2013, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House