New To Palestine?

THE COMMUNITY
   Palestine is the County Seat for Anderson County. Founded in 1846, it is one of the most historic cities in Texas, with many homes on the state's historic registry. With a population of more than 18,000 in the city and more than 50,000 in the county, people from the surrounding areas travel to Palestine for the many restaurants, unique shops, and healthcare services. Palestine Regional Medical Center provides a comprehensive array of healthcare services which has two campuses and is licensed for 258 beds. Palestine is centrally located 108 miles south of Dallas, 54 miles southwest of Tyler, and 123 miles north of Houston.
   A strong economic development effort that began after the downward trend in the oil industry led to the current economically diverse community. Major employers in the area include the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). TDCJ employs more than 3,900 employees. More than 1,600 people are employed by two area Wal-Mart Distribution. The Wal-Mart Super Center also employs 400 people. Palestine is home to the National Scientific Balloon Facility, affiliated with NASSAU. The third largest industry in the area is the medical and healthcare services industry.

EDUCATION
   Palestine has two school districts: Palestine Independent School District and Westwood Independent School District. PISD has a student enrollment of 3,800 and is the largest school district in Anderson County. With five elementary campuses, one intermediate campus, one middle school and one high school, gifted and talented programs are available, as well as UIL athletic and academic activities. On the high school level, honors classes and advanced placement classes are offered.

   Westwood Independent School District meets the educational needs of more than 1,800 students. WISD has a student-teacher ratio of 21:1 for grades K - 3; 25:1 in grades 4 - 8, and 19:1 in grades 9 -12, and offers programs and services including special education, gifted and talented, and honors courses. With a strong athletic program, as well as Academic Decathlon, Westwood Independent School District employs almost 200 teachers and other personnel.

   Trinity Valley Community College provides diverse educational programs. In addition, the University of Texas at Tyler recently opened a Palestine campus for nursing students. Palestine is within close driving distance to other colleges and universities including Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Stephan F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Tyler Junior College and University of Texas at Tyler.

RECREATION
   With an annual average temperature of 71, Palestine benefits from a mild climate, as well as an abundance of wildlife for outdoor enthusiasts. Many area lakes provide fishing and boating activities. A 234-acre park in the middle of Palestine, known as Davey Dogwood Park, showcases the beauty of flowers and nature. Visitors from all over the world come to ride The Texas State Railroad, a historic steam locomotive line. Two major festivals are celebrated in Palestine, including the Spring Dogwood Trails, Heritage Festival and the Hot Pepper Festival in the fall. The Palestine YMCA is an outstanding program that serves more than 8,000 people a year through programs and services and is currently building a new facility and pool at Palestine Park. Palestine has numerous church denominations represented. Golfers can enjoy Meadowbrook Country Club's 9-hole golf course or other area golf courses located within a short driving distance. The community theatre in Palestine is very active and showcases local talent at least four times a year. Named "Outstanding Library in the United States" in 1992, the Palestine Public Library is a source of pride for the community. 

History
   Palestine is the birthplace of over twenty famous Texans who molded this great state through Education, Religion, and Industry. Here you will find Victorian homes from the early 1800's that can be viewed during one of the historic tours. Palestine is second only to Galveston in the number of historic structures in a Texas city.

Texas State Railroad
"All Aboard!" cries the conductor and it's 1896 all over again, as you ride the steel rails of the Texas State Railroad. You'll enjoy the clickity-clack of one of Texas' main attractions as you weave your way through a relaxing trip in a land of yesteryear. This 1896 train pulled by one of the original steam locomotives takes you on a thirty mile tour of scenic East Texas Forests. It is especially fun when you ride one of the special events like the "Murder on the Dis-Oriented Express" or the Christmas Victorian Train Ride.

Attractions
   Texas State Railroad, Davey Dogwood Park, Museum of East Texas Culture, Howard House Museum or the Community Forest, we fill the bill for history, nature, recreation and entertainment.

Shopping
   Looking for a great place to shop? We've got it! Antique stores, world famous Eilenberger's Bakery, curio shops, boutiques, art galleries and more. We are the "shop-'till-you-drop" place.

Dining
   We have the cuisine that will please your palate. Charming restaurants, unusual cafes, specialty sandwich shops and tea rooms offer a choice of menu that will quench your thirst and quite your hunger.

Accommodations
   Whether you want to sit in a swing on a winding porch listening to the symphony of the night breezes or enjoy the amenities of modern hotels, we can meet your needs. Quaint Bed & Breakfast Inns in Victorian homes nestled in charming neighborhoods and conveniently located hotels will welcome you to an evenings rest of comfort and enjoyment.

Art & Culture
   Whether you like visual arts or living arts, you will find it here. Our theater groups perform originally produced and Broadway plays and musicals throughout the year. As you wander the streets of Palestine, you will see the extraordinary talent of our local artists in the murals on walls throughout the town. You might even want to check out some of our art galleries for that special piece of art.

Events
   There is always something going on. Hot Pepper Festival, Rough Rider Reenactment Camps, Canoe Race, Dogwood Trails Festival, Melodrama Theater, Victorian Christmas Train Ride, Rodeos, Bike Tours, Old West Reenactment Camps, Tour of Homes, Chili Cook offs...boy, do we have events.

Natural Beauty
   Beauty abounds in Palestine and offers a cornucopia of breathtaking sites throughout our parks and countryside. Dogwoods, Azaleas, Fall colors, Spring flowers, any season is a good reason to visit Palestine.