TITLE: Proclaiming Jeff Davis County Day at the State Capitol.

SUMMARY: Proclaiming Jeff Davis County Day at the State Capitol.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the citizens of Jeff Davis County who have come to Austin to celebrate Jeff Davis County Legislative Day at the State Capitol; and WHEREAS, Jeff Davis County covers an area of 2,258 square miles in far southwest Texas in the Rio Grande basin; the county is best known for the Davis Mountains, the highest mountain range located entirely within the state; and WHEREAS, The area was occupied primarily by the Mescalero Apaches until the middle of the 19th century, when American exploration and settlement began in earnest; Fort Davis was established in 1854 and named for United States Secretary of War Jefferson Davis, who later became president of the Confederacy; and WHEREAS, Jeff Davis County was formally established by the legislature in 1887 and Fort Davis became the county seat; cattle ranching started in the 1880s, and the towns of Valentine and Chispa were developed along the Southern Pacific railroad as supply centers; today, the county's economy is driven primarily by ranching and tourism; and WHEREAS, Points of interest include the Davis Mountains State Park, Fort Davis National Historic Site, and the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute; a scenic highway loop takes motorists through the Davis Mountains and to The University of Texas McDonald Observatory, one of the world's leading centers for astronomical research and teaching and one of the most visited tourism sites in the state; and WHEREAS, The citizens of Jeff Davis County have much reason to be proud of the county's unique history and the many contributions it has made in the development of this state; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 82nd Legislature, hereby proclaim this day as Jeff Davis County Day at the State Capitol and extend to the delegation representing Jeff Davis County best wishes for a memorable visit; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared as an expression of highest regard from the Texas Senate. Uresti President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 2, 2011.