By: Bomer H.R. No. 150 73R3385 SRD-F R E S O L U T I O N 1-1 WHEREAS, The city of Palestine enjoys a reputation as one of 1-2 the most vibrant and progressive communities in the rich 1-3 agricultural and commercial region of East Texas; and 1-4 WHEREAS, Ideally situated between the Neches and Trinity 1-5 rivers, the area around Palestine attracted many early settlers who 1-6 were drawn by the fertile soils of the post oak savannah and the 1-7 abundant timber of the pine woods; and 1-8 WHEREAS, Among these original settlers was the family of 1-9 Daniel Parker, who came to Texas in 1833 from Palestine, Illinois; 1-10 members of this pioneer family established several early 1-11 settlements in the area, including a new community they named after 1-12 the family's former home; and 1-13 WHEREAS, When Anderson County was organized in 1846, the town 1-14 of Palestine occupied the geographical center of the new county and 1-15 was chosen as the county seat; the county's first courthouse was 1-16 erected in Palestine the following year; and 1-17 WHEREAS, Served by the International-Great Northern and the 1-18 Texas and New Orleans railroads, Palestine became an early market 1-19 and distribution point for the rapidly growing agricultural 1-20 district surrounding it; and 1-21 WHEREAS, Today, the modern city of Palestine continues to be 1-22 a thriving commercial center, deriving its prosperity from a 1-23 diverse economic base that includes manufacturing, agriculture, and 1-24 shipping industries; and 2-1 WHEREAS, Adding to the exceptional quality of life to be 2-2 found in Palestine are the community's excellent educational 2-3 facilities at Trinity Valley Community College, the superb 2-4 recreational opportunities for water sports at nearby Lake 2-5 Palestine, and several historic points of interest; and 2-6 WHEREAS, The Dogwood Trails Festival, held each March when 2-7 the dogwood trees are in full bloom, is one of the community's 2-8 biggest social events and one that attracts delighted visitors from 2-9 across the state; and 2-10 WHEREAS, The citizens of Palestine understandably take great 2-11 pride in celebrating the virtues of life in East Texas, and it 2-12 gives the members of this legislative body great pleasure to join 2-13 with these fellow Texans in saluting their community; now, 2-14 therefore, be it 2-15 RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 73rd Texas 2-16 Legislature hereby recognize February 23, 1993, as Palestine Day at 2-17 the Texas Capitol and extend best wishes to all of its citizens on 2-18 this noteworthy occasion.