1-1                                     1                                  
 1-2                          SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 307
 1-3           WHEREAS, On February 22, 2001, many proud citizens from
 1-4     Palestine are gathering in Austin to celebrate Palestine Day at
 1-5     the State Capitol; and
 1-6           WHEREAS, Established in 1846, the city serves as the
 1-7     county seat of Anderson County and, with more than 1,600 historic
 1-8     landmarks, enjoys a long and distinguished history; and
 1-9           WHEREAS, Marie Cronin, a notable artist who received her
1-10     early schooling in Palestine, contributed greatly not only to the
1-11     history of the area but also to the history of this state with her
1-12     portraits of such important Texans as governors Thomas Campbell,
1-13     Oscar Branch Colquitt, and James E. Ferguson, and her portraits of
1-14     John H. Reagan, United States senator and postmaster general of the
1-15     Confederacy, Joanna Troutman, said to be the maker of the first Texas
1-16     flag, and Colonel Alfonso Steele, last survivor of the Battle of
1-17     San Jacinto, hang in the Senate Chamber; and
1-18           WHEREAS, Palestine was selected as one of Texas' top 10
1-19     places to commune with nature in a Texas Highways Readers' Choice
1-20     survey, and its picturesque landscape is replete with Victorian-style
1-21     homes and magnificent magnolias and dogwoods; for those wanting to
1-22     see the town's scenery in all of its natural splendor, the Texas
1-23     State Railroad, otherwise known as the Iron Horse, makes weekend
 2-1     excursions through the city's breathtaking countryside; and
 2-2           WHEREAS, In addition, Palestine is also home to many
 2-3     noteworthy attractions, including the Anderson County Courthouse,
 2-4     Carnegie Library, Palestine Community Forest, Davey Dogwood Park,
 2-5     Howard House Museum, and Pilgrim Church; moreover, the annual
 2-6     Hot Pepper and Dogwood Trails festivals are among the town's most
 2-7     celebrated traditions; and
 2-8           WHEREAS, This admirable city also features the Engeling
 2-9     Wildlife Management Area, an 11,000-acre wildlife habitat, and has
2-10     a diverse economy that includes transportation, manufacturing,
2-11     agribusiness, and tourism; and
2-12           WHEREAS, Palestine is a bustling city that is embracing the
2-13     myriad challenges and opportunities of the future while retaining
2-14     its rich heritage and culture, and it is most appropriate to pay
2-15     tribute to its fine citizens at this time; now, therefore, be it
2-16           RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas,
2-17     77th Legislature, hereby recognize February 22, 2001, as
2-18     Palestine Day at the State Capitol and extend to its
2-19     citizens sincere best wishes for the future.
2-20                                                                 Staples
2-21                                  ______________________________________
2-22                                          President of the Senate
2-23                                       I hereby certify that the above
2-24                                  Resolution was adopted by the Senate
2-25                                  on February 22, 2001.
2-26                                  ______________________________________
2-27                                          Secretary of the Senate
2-28                                  ______________________________________
2-29                                           Member, Texas Senate