TITLE: Welcoming residents of Panola County on the occasion of Panola County Day.

SUMMARY: Welcoming residents of Panola County on the occasion of Panola County Day.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Senate of the State of Texas is pleased to welcome the residents of Panola County on the occasion of 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 area experienced a land rush in the 1830s as settlers arrived from the southern United States; on March 30, 1846, the Texas Legislature officially created Panola County, 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 cash product; today, Panola County enjoys a diversified economy, primarily based in oil and gas production, agriculture, food processing, and timber; 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 Murvaul Lake; and WHEREAS, Home to nearly 50 Texas Historical Commission markers, Panola 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; the hall of fame also hosts the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame Show and John Ritter Tribute Showcase every August; and WHEREAS, Carthage, which was named a National Main Street City in Texas for 2014, is also home to the historic Esquire Theater, which plays host to the Country Music Hayride every Saturday night; other popular events taking place in the county seat include the Piney Woods Quilt Festival in April and the East Texas Oil and Gas Blast in October, which features live music, a car show, and arts and crafts; and WHEREAS, The citizens of Panola County have long made an important contribution to the Lone Star State, and it is most fitting that they be honored on this special day; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 84th Legislature, hereby recognize the residents of Panola County on Panola County Day at the State Capitol and extend to the visiting delegation sincere best wishes for a memorable and meaningful visit to Austin. Eltife President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 2, 2015.