SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 305

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the City of Palestine and to honor its residents for their many important contributions to the Lone Star State; and

WHEREAS, In 1846, the first legislature of the State of Texas established Anderson County on a 100-acre tract of land and designated Palestine, named after a town in Illinois that had been the previous home of early settlers, as the county seat; and

WHEREAS, Palestine benefited from the shipment of agricultural goods down the Trinity River in its early history, and the International and Great Northern Pacific Railroad, which eventually merged with the Union Pacific Railroad, has allowed the town to continue to thrive as a transportation and shipping hub; and

WHEREAS, Committed to investing in the economic development and progress of their region, in 1875, Anderson County citizens awarded the International-Great Northern Pacific Railroad a $150,000 bonus for selecting Palestine as the site for its headquarters, a decision that led the town's population to double within five years; and

WHEREAS, Palestine has continued to attract successful companies and manufacturers that offer employment to the town's workforce; the city is home to two of Walmart's distribution centers, several wholesale beverage and aerospace parts distributors, and a growing medical industry; Trinity Valley Community College at Palestine and The University of Texas at Tyler Palestine Campus are also located in Palestine; and

WHEREAS, As a designated Texas Main Street City, Palestine is noted for its magnificent historic architecture, including many Victorian-era buildings; visitors enjoy touring Palestine's many popular landmarks and historic sites, including Davey Dogwood Park, a 254-acre park with eight miles of unincorporated hiking and biking trails and scenic views, and the Texas State Railroad, the oldest heritage railway in the state, which offers the opportunity to experience its steam and diesel train excursions; and

WHEREAS, Palestine has practiced careful stewardship of its rich past and natural beauty while adapting to the changing demands of modern commerce, and its residents take justifiable pride in the dynamic and beautiful place that they call home; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, hereby commend the City of Palestine on its many contributions to our state's prosperity and extend to its citizens sincere best wishes for their town's future; and, be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the city as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.

Nichols

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on March 14, 2023.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate