SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 71
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to welcome
the residents of Panola County on the occasion of 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;
the hall of fame also hosts the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame
Show and John Ritter Tribute Showcase every August; and
WHEREAS, Carthage, which was named a National Main Street
City in Texas for 2014, 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 Senate of the State of Texas, 84th
Legislature, hereby recognize the residents of Panola County on
Panola County Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting
delegation sincere best wishes for a memorable and meaningful
visit to Austin.
Eltife
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 2, 2015.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate