2023S0300-1 03/13/23
By: Nichols S.R. No. 305
SENATE RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize the City of Palestine and to honor its residents for
their many important contributions to the Lone Star State; and
WHEREAS, In 1846, the first legislature of the State of
Texas established Anderson County on a 100-acre tract of land and
designated Palestine, named after a town in Illinois that had
been the previous home of early settlers, as the county seat; and
WHEREAS, Palestine benefited from the shipment of
agricultural goods down the Trinity River in its early history,
and the International and Great Northern Pacific Railroad, which
eventually merged with the Union Pacific Railroad, has allowed
the town to continue to thrive as a transportation and shipping
hub; and
WHEREAS, Committed to investing in the economic
development and progress of their region, in 1875, Anderson
County citizens awarded the International-Great Northern Pacific
Railroad a $150,000 bonus for selecting Palestine as the site for
its headquarters, a decision that led the town's population to
double within five years; and
WHEREAS, Palestine has continued to attract successful
companies and manufacturers that offer employment to the town's
workforce; the city is home to two of Walmart's distribution
centers, several wholesale beverage and aerospace parts
distributors, and a growing medical industry; Trinity Valley
Community College at Palestine and The University of Texas at
Tyler Palestine Campus are also located in Palestine; and
WHEREAS, As a designated Texas Main Street City, Palestine
is noted for its magnificent historic architecture, including
many Victorian-era buildings; visitors enjoy touring Palestine's
many popular landmarks and historic sites, including Davey
Dogwood Park, a 254-acre park with eight miles of unincorporated
hiking and biking trails and scenic views, and the Texas State
Railroad, the oldest heritage railway in the state, which offers
the opportunity to experience its steam and diesel train
excursions; and
WHEREAS, Palestine has practiced careful stewardship of
its rich past and natural beauty while adapting to the changing
demands of modern commerce, and its residents take justifiable
pride in the dynamic and beautiful place that they call home;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th
Legislature, hereby commend the City of Palestine on its many
contributions to our state's prosperity and extend to its
citizens sincere best wishes for their town's future; and, be it
further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
the city as an expression of esteem from the Texas Senate.