Welcome To Palestine Texas, Anderson County And The East Texas Region

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Discover The Rich Heritage
& Bright Future Of East Texas . . .
Anderson County marks the gateway from the flat blackland prairies into the hilly forest region of deep East Texas. Originally it was part of David G. Burnet's Colony, from 1844 until annexation. A mineral ridge divides the rolling wooded surface of 1,068 square miles forming a valley east to the Neches River.

Welcome to Palestine Texas, county seat of Anderson County and located in beautiful East Texas.

The county seat, Palestine, is one of the oldest and most historical cities in East Texas. Located among the beautiful pines and dogwood trees, it is filled with a rich heritage.

When Anderson County was formed on March 24, 1846, from Houston County, both Fort Houston and Mound Prairie claimed the privilege of the county seat. William Bigelow and J.R. Fulton owned 525 acres where Palestine now stands. These two enterprising merchants, seeing the opportunity to increase their holdings, offered the commissioners 100 acres on which to build the new town. And the commissioners court decided in favor to the two men's generous offer.

Climate . . .
Anderson County is located in what is called the Post Oak Belt of Texas. Elevation in the county ranges from 200 to 700 feet. The area has a moderate climate with a yearly normal temperature of 69 degrees. The average daily minimum temperature is 58 degrees, and the average daily maximum temperature is 75 degrees. Average precipitation totals approximately 38 inches, and the
sun shines an average of 65 percent of the time.

Economy . . .
Historically, Palestine's economy has evolved from business generated by being a port on the Trinity River to agriculture, to railroading, to petroleum, to diversified manufacturing, and more recently to distribution and services.

Palestine is experiencing quite an economic boom. Recent activities and accomplishments include $1.4 million in improvements at the Palestine Municipal Airport, including a 1,000-foot runway expansion.

Wal-Mart has 1 million square foot distribution facility just west of town. Major improvements are planned for Reagan Park.

Commercial . . .
Opportunities are continually growing for business in Palestine. A recent report by the Texas Real Estate Research Center at Texas A & M University shows Palestine and Anderson County as one of the strongest growth areas of the state and the overall economic outlook for our area is very optimistic for years to come.

We are a progressive community offering incentives for our local industries to expand and encouraging diversity
in the new industries we are recruiting. An Enterprise Zone is in place and its benefits are being enjoyed by our local industries. Retail business is strong with sales tax receipts setting new records each year making Palestine a regional trade area for retail and medical services.

Transportation . . .
We are fortunate to have five major highways coming through Palestine. Access to the various regional markets is excellent. Union Pacific operates a major railroad terminal here with the intersection of their major North, South, and Mexico lines in Palestine. Palestine Municipal Airport offers landing, hangar and ground support for private and charter aircraft.

Medical . . .
Since the turn of the century, Palestine has been known as a "Health Care Mecca." Today the emphasis remains on progressive and comprehensive medical care within Palestine's growing health care industry. Throughout a five county area, Palestine serves as a "Regional Health Care Center" providing modern medical technology with a commitment to service. The driving forces behind this thriving medical community are Palestine's two hospitals.

In July, 1994, residents witnessed the completion of Memorial Hospital's new replacement facility, a 93-bed, 100,000 square foot hospital. The following month, Trinity Valley Medical Center conducted ground breaking ceremonies on a $4 million dollar addition to its existing 126-bed facility which first opened to the public in December, 1987.

Education . . .
The Palestine Independent School District is dedicated to providing the vision, leadership and resources necessary to assure that every student has the maximum opportunity for learning through the benefit of parent/community support for educational enterprise, competent staff, relevant curriculum and materials, and the provisions of a safe, conducive learning environment.

Since 1972, Trinity Valley Community College has continued to meet the ever changing needs of its students and the Palestine community. TVCC provides vocational and technical programs as well as programs in business, industry and health services. The college offers a wide variety of associate degree programs and diverse continuing education and community services.

Culture . . .
Cultural events are available throughout the year. The Palestine Community Theater produces four plays each season.

Named the "Outstanding Library in the United States" in 1992, the Palestine
Public Library has over 70,000 volumes with 150,000 circulation per year. The CD-ROM Technology Service allows library patrons access to over 300
current magazines through the NETLS Regional Library System.

The Palestine YMCA opened on October 6, 1892, and celebrated its 100th year of service in 1992. The YMCA features programs for all ages that include exercise, weight training, swimming, sports and more. The YMCA is constructing a new facility in 1995.

The Palestine Civic Center offers 25,000 square feet of entertainment possibilities under one roof. It is ideal for concerts, receptions, banquets, conventions, plays, etc. Seating capacity is 1,374 in the auditorium. The stage is professionally equipped and the multi-purpose room has a complete catering kitchen.

Tourism . . .
Here you'll find a graceful, romantic city where Victorian homes and bed & breakfasts are neighbors of modern
hotels and restaurants. Museums and a host of historical sites share the city with modern industry and four-lane highways. Large magnolia trees and white columns welcome you to this gateway of a bygone era. Over 1,800 historical sites grace Palestine, second only to Galveston.

Spring is unveiled by the most fascinating blooms of the dogwood trees. Palestine is home and heart of the Texas Dogwood Trails. 234-acre Davey Dogwood Park showcases the beauty.

Palestine hosts the Texas Hot Pepper Festival where you are sure to find a pepper of every color and corresponding heat correlation. There are many events included in the festival. Bicyclists enjoy the challenge of its Tour de Pepper. Firefighters compete in the ever-popular bucket brigades. Spikers take to the sands as they battle the net in the annual YMCA volleyball tourney.

Railroad buffs and all the young at heart will want to discover the mystique and enjoy a ride on the Texas State Railroad, in one of Texas' oldest Railroad towns. Suddenly, it's 1896 again as you ride the steel rails of the Texas State Railroad. The Palestine Depot reflects the architecture of the early 20th century. Because of the trains historical authenticity, the railroad park and its old steamers frequently are "stars" in movies and TV.

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