SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 449
	WHEREAS, Proud citizens of Rusk County are assembling at
	the Texas State Capitol to celebrate Rusk County Days on March 31
	and April 1, 2015; and
	WHEREAS, A picturesque region of rolling hills in the Piney
	Woods of East Texas, Rusk County was first occupied by the Caddo
	and the Cherokee tribes; the first European settlers arrived in
	the 1830s, and on January 16, 1843, the county was formed by act
	of the Congress of the Republic of Texas and named after Thomas
	Jefferson Rusk, secretary of war under Texas President Sam
	Houston; and
	WHEREAS, For many years, the county's economy was based on
	cotton and other agriculture, but on October 3, 1930, Columbus
	Marion "Dad" Joiner struck oil at his famous Daisy Bradford
	Number 3 well, opening up the East Texas oil field, which at the
	time was the largest oil field in the world; three years later,
	Rusk County was producing over 200 million barrels of petroleum a
	year, turning county seat Henderson from a sleepy village to a
	bustling boomtown; and
	WHEREAS, Oil and agriculture continue to be mainstays of
	the county's economy, along with natural gas, timber, and the
	mining of lignite coal; in addition, Rusk County's bricks, made
	from the region's unique clay soil, are highly prized; the county
	economy is further bolstered by two correctional institutions,
	including the Bradshaw State Jail in Henderson; and
	WHEREAS, Only two miles from "Dad" Joiner's original well,
	the Gaston Museum in Joinerville commemorates the history of the
	East Texas oil field; in Henderson, the Depot Museum, a
	beautifully restored Missouri Pacific railway depot from 1901,
	hosts the annual Heritage Syrup Festival every November;
	recreational opportunities abound in the county's parks,
	including Martin Creek Lake State Park, which offers swimming,
	boating, fishing, waterskiing, and other activities; and
	WHEREAS, Honoring their heritage as they embrace the
	opportunities of the future, the citizens of Rusk County may take
	great pride in the role their communities have played in the
	story of the Lone Star State; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th
	Legislature, hereby recognize March 31 and April 1, 2015, as Rusk
	County Days at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting
	delegation sincere best wishes for an informative and enjoyable
	stay in Austin.
	Eltife
		________________________________
		President of the Senate
		I hereby certify that the
		above Resolution was adopted by
		the Senate on March 30, 2015.
		________________________________
		Secretary of the Senate
		________________________________
		Member, Texas Senate