SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 170
WHEREAS, Residents of Panola County are gathering in
Austin on February 19, 2019, 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; 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 agricultural 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, With nearly 50 Texas Historical Commission
markers, Panola County has a rich and fascinating history; it 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.ReevesarelocatedinCarthage,asistheTexasCountryMusic
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 was named a National Main Street
City in Texas in 2011, is also home to Panola College and the
historic Esquire Theater, which hosts the Country Music Hayride
live music show every Saturday night; other popular events taking
place in the county seat include the Piney Woods Quilt Festival
in April and the Potlatch in October, which features a karaoke
contest, a car show, and arts and crafts; in addition, the
Footprints in the Sand monument, a poignant religious sculpture
at Pippen Memorial Park, was completed in 2014; and
WHEREAS, The citizens of Panola County take great pride in
their rich history as they work together to build an even
brighter future, and it is indeed fitting to honor them and their
unique contributions to the Lone Star State; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 86th
Legislature, hereby recognize February 19, 2019, as Panola
County Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting
delegation sincere best wishes for an enjoyable and informative
stay in Austin.
Hughes
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 11, 2019.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate