79R3878 MAM-D

By:  Hopson                                                     H.C.R. No. 72 



CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
	WHEREAS, Residents of Panola County are gathering at the 
State Capitol on February 22, 2005, to celebrate the indelible role 
their county has played in the history of our great state; and
	WHEREAS, The First Legislature of Texas officially created 
Panola County on March 30, 1846; Judge John Allison, a prominent 
civic leader, suggested the name Panola, which is derived from the 
Cherokee word for cotton, "ponolo"; the region reaped the rewards 
of its cotton-friendly soil, and it soon became the county's main 
cash crop; today, Panola County enjoys a diversified economy, 
primarily based in oil and gas, coal, agriculture, and timber; and
	WHEREAS, Located in the Timberlands region of Northeast Texas 
bordering Louisiana, Panola County has a dense, attractive 
landscape that consists of more than 800 square miles of gentle 
plains and scenic woodlands; the county is a desirable destination 
for visitors who enjoy the splendid benefits of nature and outdoor 
recreational activities, such as fishing in freshwater lakes; and
	WHEREAS, The area's historic sites and cultural attractions 
also draw many visitors to Carthage, the county seat, as well as to 
other charming towns, such as Beckville, Bethany, Clayton, Gary, 
DeBerry, Pulaski, and Fairplay, the oldest community in the county; 
Carthage also boasts the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame, the Tex 
Ritter Museum, and the Jim Reeves Memorial; and
	WHEREAS, The residents of this historic Texas county have 
played an important part in preserving their region's past, and it 
is a pleasure to pay tribute to Panola County and its citizens on 
this special day; now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the 79th Legislature of the State of Texas 
hereby designate February 22, 2005, Panola County Day at the State 
Capitol and extend to the delegation here today sincere best wishes 
for an enjoyable visit.