SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 224
WHEREAS, Residents of Panola County are gathering in
Austin on March 11, 2025, 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 Texas Legislature officially created
Panola County on March 30, 1846, 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, 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 Lake Murvaul; and
WHEREAS, Panola County's rich heritage is recognized by
nearly 60 Texas Historical Commission markers; the 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, Named a National Main Street City in Texas,
Carthage is also home to Panola College and the historic Esquire
Theater, which hosts the Country Music Hayride live show; other
popular events taking place in the county seat include the Piney
Woods Quilt Festival in April, the annual Classic Country Music
Festival Weekend in August, and Potlatch, an art, food, and music
festival that takes place in the fall; 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 for
their unique contributions to the Lone Star State; now,
therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 89th
Legislature, hereby recognize March 11, 2025, as Panola County
Day at the State Capitol and extend a warm welcome to the
visiting delegation.
Hughes
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on March 11, 2025.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate