SR261 - Recognizing March 19, 2025, as Ellis County Day.

          SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 261          WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas joins the   residents of Ellis County in celebrating March 19, 2025, as Ellis   County Day at the Texas Capitol; and            WHEREAS, A county of rural charm and natural beauty, Ellis   County is located in North Central Texas and was created in 1849   from Robertson and Navarro Counties; and            WHEREAS, The county was named for Richard Ellis, who was   president of the Convention of 1836, which declared Texas'   independence from Mexico; and            WHEREAS, During the early days, the land in Ellis County   served as the buffalo hunting grounds for several tribes; the   earliest inhabitants and hunters were the Tonkawa, Kickapoo,   Bidai, Anadarko, and Waco; and            WHEREAS, Although the early settlers were chiefly stock   raisers, the land has been cultivated since its first settlement   in 1843, and the county remains a vibrant agricultural area; and            WHEREAS, The fertile Blackland soils extend through the   center of the county, and the terrain varies from gently rolling   hills to level plain; on the east border are the Trinity River and   Chambers Creek; and            WHEREAS, The county's farming resources are diverse, with   livestock, cotton, grains, and other crops contributing to its   economic stability; and            WHEREAS, The county seat is Waxahachie, a city which   derives its name from a Native American word for "cow or buffalo   creek" and was originally a part of the Chisholm Trail; and            WHEREAS, This historic town has been the location of   several major films and is well known for its charming Victorian   style homes with gingerbread trim; and            WHEREAS, The Ellis County courthouse in Waxahachie is   elaborate; it was constructed with granite from Burnet County and   red sandstone; Italian artisans were imported to carve the   extensive stone exterior; and            WHEREAS, Ennis, situated in the eastern part of the county,   was designated the Bluebonnet City of Texas by the Texas   Legislature in 1997; a cultural center for descendants of Czech   farmers who first settled on the Blackland Prairie in 1875, Ennis   is the site of the National Polka Festival, as well as the Texas   Motorplex, a professional and amateur track that offers   world-class auto racing; and            WHEREAS, The other charming towns of Ellis County balance   the comfort of small-town life with convenient access to downtown   Dallas and the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport; and            WHEREAS, The county is host to numerous festive events,   including the Scarborough Renaissance Festival, Bethlehem   Revisited, and the Ennis Bluebonnet Trails and Festival; and            WHEREAS, Residents of Ellis County have preserved the   natural beauty of the land and are hospitable and friendly,   making Ellis County a pleasurable place to live and visit; now,   therefore, be it            RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th   Legislature, hereby express appreciation to the people of Ellis   County for their contributions to the state and extend best   wishes to them for a celebratory Ellis County Day at the State   Capitol; and, be it further            RESOLVED, That an official copy of this Resolution be   prepared for Ellis County as an expression of high regard from   the Texas Senate.     Hall, Birdwell                 ________________________________          President of the Senate               I hereby certify that the     above Resolution was adopted by     the Senate on March 19, 2025.                 ________________________________          Secretary of the Senate                 ________________________________           Member, Texas Senate                 ________________________________           Member, Texas Senate