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