Bill Text: TX HCR81 | 2025-2026 | 89th Legislature | Enrolled

Texas House Concurrent Resolution 81

Bill Title: Designating Milam as the official Gateway Capital of Texas for a 10-year period ending in 2035.

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Republican 2)

Status: (Passed) 2025-06-20 - Signed by the Governor [HCR81 Detail]

Download: Texas-2025-HCR81-Enrolled.html



	H.C.R. No. 81



	HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, With its location along one of Texas' earliest and
	most important travel routes, the town of Milam played a pivotal
	role in the early settlement of the Lone Star State; and
	WHEREAS, Even before the arrival of European colonists, this
	site near the Sabine River was a well-known stop along a trail used
	by Native Americans; members of the Caddo tribe often visited a
	watering place near the present-day location of the town, and the
	site subsequently gained the name of Las Borregas; and
	WHEREAS, When the Spanish attempted to assert a stronger hold
	on the region in the late 1600s and early 1700s, missionaries and
	soldiers traveled to the area along the same route; it came to be
	known as El Camino Real de los Tejas and, later, as the Old San
	Antonio Road and the King's Highway; the path of this historic
	travel artery is now traced by Highway 21, a portion of which forms
	Milam's main east-west thoroughfare; and
	WHEREAS, When Spain opened Texas to Anglo American settlement
	in the early 1800s, Stephen F. Austin traveled El Camino Real on his
	way to San Antonio to secure the land grants for the initial
	colonists; in July 1821, he spent his first night in Texas at a
	campsite on Borregas Creek; the town was established in 1828 and was
	originally called Red Mound before being renamed in honor of
	Benjamin Rush Milam, a notable figure in the Texas Revolution; and
	WHEREAS, Under the Republic of Texas, the community served as
	a port of entry, which contributed to its rapid growth; a customs
	house, inns, taverns, and two large racetracks were constructed,
	and Milam became an important passageway for people traveling west
	to carve a new destiny in Texas; during the Civil War, the town
	became the county headquarters for the Army Quartermaster
	Department of the Confederacy; and
	WHEREAS, Today, Milam continues its tradition of welcoming
	visitors; its rich history can be appreciated at such sites as the
	Milam Cemetery and at restored homes in the area that date to the
	early 1800s; each November, the Milam Settlers Organization
	celebrates the town's storied past at the Milam Settlers Day
	gathering in El Camino Park; and
	WHEREAS, Through its connection to the famed El Camino Real
	de los Tejas and the early history of Texas, Milam has contributed
	greatly to the development of the Lone Star State, and this proud
	heritage is indeed deserving of special recognition; now,
	therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 89th Legislature of the State of Texas
	hereby designate Milam as the official Gateway Capital of Texas;
	and, be it further
	RESOLVED, That, in accordance with the provisions of
	Section 391.003(e), Government Code, this designation remain in
	effect until the 10th anniversary of the date this resolution is
	finally passed by the legislature.

	Shofner


	______________________________	______________________________
	President of the Senate	Speaker of the House


	I certify that H.C.R. No. 81 was adopted by the House on May
	16, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 122, Nays 0, 2 present, not
	voting.

	______________________________
	Chief Clerk of the House


	I certify that H.C.R. No. 81 was adopted by the Senate on May
	28, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 31, Nays 0.

	______________________________
	Secretary of the Senate
	APPROVED: __________________
	Date

	__________________
	Governor