SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 305
         WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
  recognize the City of Palestine and to honor its residents for
  their many important contributions to the Lone Star State; and
         WHEREAS, In 1846, the first legislature of the State of
  Texas established Anderson County on a 100-acre tract of land and
  designated Palestine, named after a town in Illinois that had
  been the previous home of early settlers, as the county seat; and
         WHEREAS, Palestine benefited from the shipment of
  agricultural goods down the Trinity River in its early history,
  and the International and Great Northern Pacific Railroad, which
  eventually merged with the Union Pacific Railroad, has allowed
  the town to continue to thrive as a transportation and shipping
  hub; and
         WHEREAS, Committed to investing in the economic
  development and progress of their region, in 1875, Anderson
  County citizens awarded the International-Great Northern Pacific
  Railroad a $150,000 bonus for selecting Palestine as the site for
  its headquarters, a decision that led the town's population to
  double within five years; and
         WHEREAS, Palestine has continued to attract successful
  companies and manufacturers that offer employment to the town's
  workforce; the city is home to two of Walmart's distribution
  centers, several wholesale beverage and aerospace parts
  distributors, and a growing medical industry; Trinity Valley
  Community College at Palestine and The University of Texas at
  Tyler Palestine Campus are also located in Palestine; and
         WHEREAS, As a designated Texas Main Street City, Palestine
  is noted for its magnificent historic architecture, including
  many Victorian-era buildings; visitors enjoy touring Palestine's
  many popular landmarks and historic sites, including Davey
  Dogwood Park, a 254-acre park with eight miles of unincorporated
  hiking and biking trails and scenic views, and the Texas State
  Railroad, the oldest heritage railway in the state, which offers
  the opportunity to experience its steam and diesel train
  excursions; and
         WHEREAS, Palestine has practiced careful stewardship of
  its rich past and natural beauty while adapting to the changing
  demands of modern commerce, and its residents take justifiable
  pride in the dynamic and beautiful place that they call home;
  now, therefore, be it
         RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
  Legislature, hereby commend the City of Palestine on its many
  contributions to our state's prosperity and extend to its
  citizens sincere best wishes for their town's future; and, be it
  further
         RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
  the city as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.
 
  Nichols
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        President of the Senate
     
        I hereby certify that the
    above Resolution was adopted by
    the Senate on March 14, 2023.
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
        Secretary of the Senate
   
   
   
    ________________________________ 
         Member, Texas Senate