84R12228 KSM-D
 
  By: Cook H.R. No. 718
 
 
 
R E S O L U T I O N
         WHEREAS, Proud residents of Palestine and Anderson County are
  gathering in Austin on February 26, 2015, to celebrate City of
  Palestine and Anderson County Day at the State Capitol; and
         WHEREAS, Situated between the Trinity and Neches Rivers,
  Anderson County covers nearly 1,100 square miles of rich pastures
  and woodlands and is home to a diverse economy that includes
  business and service industries, as well as oil and gas production;
  the county was formed by the First Legislature of Texas in 1846 and
  named after Kenneth Lewis Anderson, the last vice president of the
  Republic of Texas; and
         WHEREAS, The area attracts hunters, campers, bird-watchers,
  and other outdoor enthusiasts with the abundant scenic delights of
  the Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area; and
         WHEREAS, Palestine, the centrally located county seat,
  serves as a major transportation hub to connect the region to the
  rest of the state and beyond; when the International-Great Northern
  Railroad arrived there in 1872, the largely agrarian community
  expanded, and a second business district grew up along the rail
  line; the discovery of oil at nearby Boggy Creek in 1928 prompted
  further growth; and
         WHEREAS, A designated Texas Main Street City, Palestine is
  home to more than 1,800 historic sites, including such structures
  as the Anderson County Courthouse, the Carnegie Library, the Museum
  for East Texas Culture, and the Howard House Museum; Davey Dogwood
  Park hosts the annual Dogwood Trails Celebration in March, and
  tourists also may enjoy the NASA Columbia Scientific Balloon
  Facility and the 1881 Texas State Railroad, which runs steam train
  excursions from Palestine through the Piney Woods of East Texas;
  and
         WHEREAS, Preserving their vibrant past as they work together
  to build a bright future, the citizens of Palestine and Anderson
  County may take justifiable pride in the important role their
  unique region continues to play in the story of the Lone Star State;
  now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
  Legislature hereby recognize February 26, 2015, as City of
  Palestine and Anderson County Day at the State Capitol and extend to
  the visiting delegation sincere best wishes for an informative and
  enjoyable stay in Austin.