SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 376

WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to recognize the City of Palestine in Anderson County 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 as the county seat, which was named after a town in Illinois that had been the previous home of early settlers; and

WHEREAS, The town benefited from the shipment of agricultural goods on the Trinity River in its early history, and in 1875, the county awarded a $150,000 bonus to the International-Great Northern Railroad for selecting Palestine as its headquarters, a decision that led the town's population to double to more than 4,000 within five years; and

WHEREAS, Palestine has continued to thrive as a transportation and shipping hub and has attracted several major manufacturers due to its favorable location near major highways as well as the Union Pacific Railroad; two of Walmart's distribution centers, a number of wholesale beverage and aerospace parts distributors, and a growing medical industry contribute to the city's thriving economy; Trinity Valley Community College-Palestine and The University of Texas at Tyler Palestine Campus further sustain Palestine's well-educated workforce; and

WHEREAS, As a designated Texas Main Street City, Palestine draws visitors with its many magnificent Victorian-style homes, popular landmarks, and historic sites designed by such noted architects as Nicholas Clayton and Wesley Clark Dodson; the Texas State Railroad, the oldest heritage railway in the state, offers both steam and diesel train excursions, and travelers enjoy the unique beauty of the dogwood trees at Davey Dogwood Park, a 254-acre park with eight miles of unincorporated hiking and biking trails featuring scenic views; 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 may 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, 89th Legislature, hereby commend the City of Palestine on its many contributions to the prosperity of the Lone Star State and extend to its citizens sincere best wishes for the 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

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President of the Senate

I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on April 8, 2025.

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Secretary of the Senate

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Member, Texas Senate