PALESTINE

Population 18,203

Altitude 510

General

In 1840's it was discovered that the seat of Anderson County, a village called Houston (not the major city of Harris County) was two miles off center. Taking literally the legislature's guidelines that county seats should be at center of counties, new town of Palestine was created as county seat; former community faded away. more than 1600 historic landmarks are found here with self-guided walking tour brochures available from Tourist Information Center.

CIVIL WAR EXHIBIT

DAVEY DOGWOOD PARK

EILENBERGER'S BUTTERNUT BAKING COMPANY

ENGELING WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA

MUSEUM FOR EAST TEXAS

PALESTINE COMMUNITY FOREST

PILGRIM CHURCH

SCIENTIFIC BALLOON BASE

TEXAS STATE RAILROAD

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER

Attractions

• CIVIL WAR EXHIBIT-One of the largest collections of the War Between the States memorabilia in East Texas. Collections of firearms, photographs, engravings, art, and many Union documents, uniforms, and more. Open third Sat. of month; in Palestine Mall. 2000 S. Loop 256.
• DAVEY DOGWOOD PARK-More than 200 acres in picturesque landscape of rolling hills, clear flowing streams, forests and meadows; picnic areas and scenic overlooks from paved roads winding through the park; featured area during annual Texas Dogwood Trails, late Mar.-early Apr. Just north of Palestine on N. Link St. For dogwood information call Texas Dogwood Trails Inc. 903/729-7275 or write 400N. Queen, Palestine, TX 75801
• EILENBERGER'S BUTTERNUT BAKING COMPANY-Famous since 1898 for fruit cakes baked from an Old World recipe. Also pies, cakes and specialty items. 512 N. John St. 903/729-2253.
• ENGELING WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA-11,000 acre wildlife habitat with deer, fox, wolves, squirrels, rabbits, alligators, coyotes and bountiful birds. Fishing and day-use campsites. North of U.S. 287, 20 miles northwest.
• MUSEUM FOR EAST TEXAS Culture-Rooms in old (1915) schoolhouse display artifacts and special interest exhibits. One authentic vintage classroom. Railroad memorabilia, including refurbished caboose; recorded Texas Historic Landmark and listed on the national Register of Historic Places. Open Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 1-4 p.m. Admission (free Tues.) In Reagan Park, 400 Micheaux Ave. 903/723-1914.
• PALESTINE COMMUNITY FOREST-700 acres of pines and hardwoods with scenic drives leading to four lakes. Fishing, boating, and picnicking. Sumac, yaupon and sweetgum trees add accents of brilliant color during autumn. Texas 19/U.S. 287 a few miles northwest of Palestine.
• PILGRIM CHURCH-Authentic reconstruction of original 1833 house of worship, said to be the first Protestant church in Texas. Four miles south of Elkhart on F.M. 861 (not shown on most maps).
• SCIENTIFIC BALLOON BASE-Operated by NASA. Balloons as large as 300 feet in diameter periodically launched to make studies of upper atmosphere and outer space. Tours may be arranged through public relations officer at the base by calling 903/729-0271.
• TEXAS STATE RAILROAD-Operated by Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept. antique steam engines traverse the 25.5 mile route to Rusk through dense East Texas woodlands. Operates weekends Mar.-May; then daily except Tues. & Wed. through first of Aug.; weekends through Oct. Reservations advisable (In Texas call toll-free 1-800-442-8951 or 903/683-2561) On display is the huge locomotive 610 that was restored to pull the Bicentennial Freedom Train in 1976, an 1899 wooden T&P business car and an old baggage car. Terminal is at state park four miles east on U.S. 84. Fee for train ride.
• TOURIST INFORMATION CENTER-Literature and maps on city and surrounding area, a self-guided walking tour of downtown Palestine with informational plaques along the route, and information on events and accommodations is available at the chamber of commerce, open weekday business hours in the historic (1914) Carnegie Library building at 502 N. Queen at Crawford St. A photo collection of Palestine in its early days is on display. 903/729-6066.

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