81R6419 JGH-D
By: Hopson H.R. No. 577
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Residents of Panola County are gathering in Austin
on February 26, 2009, to celebrate Panola County Day at the State
Capitol; and
WHEREAS, These rolling, East Texas timberlands were first
inhabited in historic times by the Caddo and Hasinai; by 1840, 49
families had emigrated into the area from the American South;
Panola County was established in 1846 and may have been named by
cotton planter John Allison after the Cherokee word for cotton,
ponolo; Carthage was chosen as the county seat in 1848; and
WHEREAS, In its early years, the county's economy was based
on farming and livestock; the lumber industry became important
after the Civil War, and today timber, poultry, and beef continue to
be important sources of revenue; the discovery in the 20th century
of a significant petroleum reservoir and one of the largest natural
gas fields in the world has also helped the county prosper and grow;
and
WHEREAS, Panola County is the birthplace of Margie Elizabeth
Neal, a leading campaigner for women's suffrage and the first woman
to serve in the Texas Senate; the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame
in Carthage celebrates the leading role of Texans in this uniquely
American art form, with special exhibits devoted to two other
Panola County natives, country music greats Tex Ritter and
"Gentleman" Jim Reeves; and
WHEREAS, Anglers are drawn to Martin Lake and Lake Murvaul by
the opportunity to catch largemouth bass, catfish, and crappie,
while hikers, birders, and campers enjoy the region's lush forests;
Carthage hosts the annual Piney Woods Quilt Festival, and the
county celebrates its heritage with the yearly East Texas Oil and
Gas Blast, which features live music, free food, a car show, and
arts and crafts; the Texas Tea Room and Heritage Museum chronicles
the county's rich history; and
WHEREAS, The citizens of Panola County remain justly proud of
their county's contributions to the Lone Star State, even as they
work to build a still brighter future; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 81st Texas
Legislature hereby recognize February 26, 2009, as Panola County
Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation
sincere best wishes for a memorable and enjoyable stay in Austin.