85R19779 KSM-D     By: Guillen H.R. No. 1507       R E S O L U T I O N          WHEREAS, Residents from Atascosa County are gathering in   Austin on April 24, 2017, to celebrate Atascosa County Day at the   State Capitol; and          WHEREAS, During the first part of the 19th century, the   grassy prairie region of South Texas that would become Atascosa   County attracted Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo-American settlers,   and by the time of the Texas Revolution, its ranching industry was   flourishing; in 1856, the region was sufficiently populated to be   sectioned off from Bexar County; the county seat, originally at   Navatasco, was later moved to Pleasanton, and then in 1910, voters   supported moving it again, this time to the more centrally located   town of Jourdanton; and          WHEREAS, Atascosa County is home to a number of historical   markers that highlight the area's unique history; notably, the   Battle of Medina, which took place in 1813 and influenced the fates   of Spain, Mexico, the United States, England, and France, is   commemorated with a marker in the northeastern part of the county,   and the site of the church and school community of San Augustine,   founded by heirs of Alamo defender Gregorio Esparza, is marked near   Pleasanton; and          WHEREAS, Situated near the famous Camino Real, Atascosa   County has long benefited from its proximity to major   transportation arteries linking it with the Gulf Coast, the Rio   Grande Valley, and Mexico, as well as other major population   centers; the county enjoys the economic benefits reaped by an   abundance of natural resources and, blessed with productive range   and irrigated farmland, the area is known for its agricultural   industries; additionally, other resources such as oil and gas play   a significant role in the economy; and          WHEREAS, Proud of its ranching heritage, Pleasanton, the   county's trading center, bills itself as the birthplace of the   cowboy, a designation symbolized by a large bronze statue in front   of city hall; in nearby Poteet, known to many as the Strawberry   Capital, a Strawberry Festival takes place in April, and a   seven-foot, 1,600-pound monument to the berry graces the front lawn   of the fire department; and          WHEREAS, The residents of Atascosa County have made many   notable contributions to the economy and culture of Texas, and they   may take justifiable pride in the place that they call home; now,   therefore, be it          RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas   Legislature hereby recognize April 24, 2017, as Atascosa County Day   at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere   best wishes for a meaningful and memorable stay in Austin.