TITLE: Recognizing February 18 and 19, 2015, as Nacogdoches-SFA Days at the State Capitol.

SUMMARY: Recognizing February 18 and 19, 2015, as Nacogdoches-SFA Days at the State Capitol.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, On February 18 and 19, 2015, members of the Nacogdoches County Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Nacogdoches, and Stephen F. Austin State University and its Student Government and Alumni Associations are visiting Austin to celebrate Nacogdoches-SFA Days at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, Nacogdoches is the site of a Caddo Native American settlement and a Spanish mission established in 1716; founded by Antonio Gil Y'Barbo, it received designation from Spain as a pueblo in 1779, and today it proudly calls itself the "first town in Texas"; and WHEREAS, The city became an important gateway for trade with the French and later the Americans, and claims among its lengthy list of Texas milestones being home to the first English-language newspaper, oil well, and two-story building, as well as the state's inaugural district court session; the nine flags flown over the city include those of three short-lived early republics; and WHEREAS, Today, the vintage charm of Nacogdoches brings myriad tourists, who explore such attractions as the Old Stone Fort, the Victorian homes along Mound Street, the 19th-century buildings of Millard's Crossing, and the quaint antique shops and restaurants along brick downtown streets; many also come to enjoy recreational activities at Lake Nacogdoches, Lake Naconiche, and Sam Rayburn Reservoir, all known for their bass fishing; in addition to tourism, the primary industries of the area include agricultural services, manufacturing, and oil and gas; and WHEREAS, Education has been an important part of the area's economy since Stephen F. Austin State University opened its doors to 158 students on September 18, 1923; its alumni association was organized just five years later and has worked diligently through the years to support the school, which now has an enrollment of approximately 13,000 students; SFA boasts an exceptionally scenic campus recognized for the SFA Gardens and also operates a beef and poultry farm, a dairy farm, an experimental forest, a forestry field station, and the Waters of East Texas Center; its observatory is the second largest not only in Texas but also in the Central Time Zone; and WHEREAS, Beautifully situated in the Texas Forest Country, Nacogdoches is attracting active retired Texans; it was one of the first three communities in Texas recognized as a Go Texan certified retirement community because of its cultural and sporting events, health care, safety, and continuing education opportunities; and WHEREAS, The combination of numerous amenities and a neighborly atmosphere makes Nacogdoches a splendid place to live, work, and study, and it is a pleasure to welcome those representing the many facets of this vibrant part of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby recognize February 18 and 19, 2015, as Nacogdoches-SFA Days at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation best wishes for an enjoyable stay in Austin.