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.