H.R. No. 365
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Residents of Panola County are gathering in Austin
on April 12, 2011, 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 cash
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 has been named a National Main
Street City in Texas for 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; 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 House of Representatives of the 82nd Texas
Legislature hereby recognize April 12, 2011, 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.
Hopson
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 365 was adopted by the House on March
3, 2011, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House