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.
Cook
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 718 was adopted by the House on March
12, 2015, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House