SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 376
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to
recognize the City of Palestine in Anderson County 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 as the county seat, which was named after a
town in Illinois that had been the previous home of early
settlers; and
WHEREAS, The town benefited from the shipment of
agricultural goods on the Trinity River in its early history, and
in 1875, the county awarded a $150,000 bonus to the
International-Great Northern Railroad for selecting Palestine as
its headquarters, a decision that led the town's population to
double to more than 4,000 within five years; and
WHEREAS, Palestine has continued to thrive as a
transportation and shipping hub and has attracted several major
manufacturers due to its favorable location near major highways
as well as the Union Pacific Railroad; two of Walmart's
distribution centers, a number of wholesale beverage and
aerospace parts distributors, and a growing medical industry
contribute to the city's thriving economy; Trinity Valley
Community College-Palestine and The University of Texas at Tyler
Palestine Campus further sustain Palestine's well-educated
workforce; and
WHEREAS, As a designated Texas Main Street City, Palestine
draws visitors with its many magnificent Victorian-style homes,
popular landmarks, and historic sites designed by such noted
architects as Nicholas Clayton and Wesley Clark Dodson; the Texas
State Railroad, the oldest heritage railway in the state, offers
both steam and diesel train excursions, and travelers enjoy the
unique beauty of the dogwood trees at Davey Dogwood Park, a
254-acre park with eight miles of unincorporated hiking and
biking trails featuring scenic views; 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 may 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, 89th
Legislature, hereby commend the City of Palestine on its many
contributions to the prosperity of the Lone Star State and
extend to its citizens sincere best wishes for the 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.
Nichols
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on April 8, 2025.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate