SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 64

WHEREAS, Residents of Panola County are gathering in Austin on February 19, 2013, to celebrate Panola County Day at the State Capitol; and

WHEREAS, Located in northeastern Texas and forming part of the state's border with Louisiana, Panola County covers more than 800 square miles of forests and rolling plains and is traversed by the Sabine River; the area experienced a land rush in the 1830s as settlers arrived from the southern United States; on March 30, 1846, the Texas Legislature officially created Panola County, and two years later, voters chose Carthage as the county seat; and

WHEREAS, It is believed that Judge John Allison, a prominent civic leader, suggested the name Panola, which may be derived from the Cherokee word for cotton, ponolo; the area's rich soil was well suited to the crop, and cotton became the county's main agricultural product; today, Panola County enjoys a diversified economy, primarily based in oil and gas production, agriculture, food processing, and timber; the lush forests also make the county a popular destination for hiking, birding, and camping enthusiasts, while anglers enjoy the good fishing waters of Martin Creek Lake and Murvaul Lake; and

WHEREAS, Home to nearly 50 Texas Historical Commission markers, Panola County was the birthplace of several notable Texans, including Margie Elizabeth Neal, the first woman elected to serve in the Texas Senate, and country music stars Tex Ritter and Jim Reeves; a museum dedicated to Mr. Ritter and a memorial devoted to Mr. Reeves are located in Carthage, as is the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame, which honors the legacies of both of these men, along with other country music legends from the state; and

WHEREAS, Carthage, which was named a National Main Street City in Texas in 2011, is also home to the historic Esquire Theater, which plays host to the Country Music Hayride every Saturday night; other popular events taking place in the county seat include the Piney Woods Quilt Festival in April and the East Texas Oil and Gas Blast in October, which features live music, a car show, and arts and crafts; the Footprints in the Sand monument, a poignant religious sculpture, is expected to be completed in the fall of 2013; and

WHEREAS, The citizens of Panola County have long made an important contribution to the Lone Star State, and it is most fitting that they be honored on this special day; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 83rd Legislature, hereby recognize February 19, 2013, as Panola County Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere best wishes for a memorable and meaningful visit to Austin. Eltife

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on January 28, 2013.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate