H.R. No. 718

	R E S O L U T I O N
	WHEREAS, Proud residents of Palestine and Anderson County are
	gathering in Austin on February 26, 2015, to celebrate City of
	Palestine and Anderson County Day at the State Capitol; and
	WHEREAS, Situated between the Trinity and Neches Rivers,
	Anderson County covers nearly 1,100 square miles of rich pastures
	and woodlands and is home to a diverse economy that includes
	business and service industries, as well as oil and gas production;
	the county was formed by the First Legislature of Texas in 1846 and
	named after Kenneth Lewis Anderson, the last vice president of the
	Republic of Texas; and
	WHEREAS, The area attracts hunters, campers, bird-watchers,
	and other outdoor enthusiasts with the abundant scenic delights of
	the Gus Engeling Wildlife Management Area; and
	WHEREAS, Palestine, the centrally located county seat,
	serves as a major transportation hub to connect the region to the
	rest of the state and beyond; when the International-Great Northern
	Railroad arrived there in 1872, the largely agrarian community
	expanded, and a second business district grew up along the rail
	line; the discovery of oil at nearby Boggy Creek in 1928 prompted
	further growth; and
	WHEREAS, A designated Texas Main Street City, Palestine is
	home to more than 1,800 historic sites, including such structures
	as the Anderson County Courthouse, the Carnegie Library, the Museum
	for East Texas Culture, and the Howard House Museum; Davey Dogwood
	Park hosts the annual Dogwood Trails Celebration in March, and
	tourists also may enjoy the NASA Columbia Scientific Balloon
	Facility and the 1881 Texas State Railroad, which runs steam train
	excursions from Palestine through the Piney Woods of East Texas;
	and
	WHEREAS, Preserving their vibrant past as they work together
	to build a bright future, the citizens of Palestine and Anderson
	County may take justifiable pride in the important role their
	unique region continues to play in the story of the Lone Star State;
	now, therefore, be it
	RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas
	Legislature hereby recognize February 26, 2015, as City of
	Palestine and Anderson County Day at the State Capitol and extend to
	the visiting delegation sincere best wishes for an informative and
	enjoyable stay in Austin.
	Cook
	______________________________
	Speaker of the House
	I certify that H.R. No. 718 was adopted by the House on March
	12, 2015, by a non-record vote.
	______________________________
	Chief Clerk of the House