[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E707]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       DAVID G. BURNET: FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 23, 2008

  Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, often referred to as the birthplace of Texas, 
the communities of Lynchburg and Highlands in east Harris County stand 
as a constant reminder of the rich history which has shaped the State. 
Initiatives such as ``Project Star'' now labor throughout the area to 
enlighten Texans of their past by highlighting historically significant 
locations. On March 15, 2008 the culmination of more than 175 years of 
progress, came to fruition with the opening of the David G. Burnet 
Park.
  Serving as the first President of the Republic of Texas, David G. 
Burnet was selected to his position by the Revolutionary Convention of 
1836. Before his presidency, he purchased 3.7 acres of land from the 
Lynch family just off of what is now called Burnet Bay, in south Harris 
County.
  This area from 1830 became the first president's Texas homestead. 
Prior to Harris County Commissioner Sylvia Garcia taking on the project 
to renovate the park, all that existed to mark David G. Burnet's 
homestead was a small stone Plaque. More than two million dollars were 
raised to develop David G. Burnet's homestead, including research for 
archeological authentication of the area.
  Thanks to these much needed improvements, visitors to the historical 
park will find amongst the playground equipment and future ballpark, 
educational storyboards illustrating the locations past. These 
storyboards include information ranging from historical facts about 
Burnet to recounting life in the 1830's. In the near future ``Project 
Star'' and Commissioner Garcia plan to reconstruct, at the park, the 
first president of Texas' home.
  Although David G. Burnet called his 3.7 acres almost 170 years ago 
home, Texans can still find a connection with him and others of his 
time from the park. The educational opportunities offered by a visit to 
David G. Burnet Park are invaluable to all and will serve as a reminder 
of the areas past for generations to come.
  And that's just the way it is.

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