TITLE: Commemorating the 150th anniversary of Cape's Dam and Mill Race on the San Marcos River.

SUMMARY: Commemorating the 150th anniversary of Cape's Dam and Mill Race on the San Marcos River.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Cape's Dam and Mill Race on the San Marcos River is 150 years old in 2017, and this is a fitting opportunity to celebrate this unique structure's importance to the history and recreational culture of the region; and WHEREAS, The dam and the mill race were constructed on the river in 1867 by William Alexander Thompson, an early pioneer in Hays County; the dam earned its name from a subsequent owner, John Matthew Cape, and it represents one of the earliest industrial enterprises in the county; it remains historically significant as one of the few 19th-century mill sites still extant in Texas; and WHEREAS, The dam was built using an existing slough, creating three islands known as Thompson's Islands between the San Marcos River and the mill race; in the years since, these islands have become a sanctuary for a variety of wildlife and flora, and the river and the mill race are part of a federally designated habitat for three of the five endangered species in the San Marcos and Comal river basin; and WHEREAS, The mill race and the 14-foot waterfall where it reconnects with the river's main channel create a popular swimming hole at Stokes Park, and each year, thousands of Texans enjoy the recreational opportunities afforded by the site; the mill race has also become a place of healing for wounded veterans who visit each week from VA medical centers, as well as for veterans from Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, who kayak there for rehabilitation; and WHEREAS, The site has likewise become a mecca for competitive kayakers and has been used for training by 10 international teams, 17 Olympians, 8 Olympic coaches, and 2 Paralympians; these include 10 world champions, 2 Olympic medalists, and 64 national team members; in addition, the slow portions of the race provide a safe place for less experienced paddlers, such as Boy Scout troops and other youth groups, to hone their skills; and WHEREAS, In 1985, the National Park Service determined that Cape's Dam and Mill Race were eligible for the National Register of Historic Places, and the site is home to three Official Texas State Historical Markers; and WHEREAS, A century and a half ago, early settlers in Hays County created Cape's Dam and Mill Race to help establish commerce in the region, and in the years since, it has become an important monument to the area's heritage as well as a vital recreational resource; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas Legislature hereby commemorate the 150th anniversary of Cape's Dam and Mill Race and celebrate the historical significance of this landmark site. Isaac Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 792 was adopted by the House on March 16, 2017, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House