Palestine
Founded in 1846 as the Anderson County seat, Palestine, Texas, was named after Palestine, Illinois, and grew from a small farming community into a major railroad hub. The arrival of the International-Great Northern Railroad in 1872 transformed the city, driving commerce, timber trade, and industrial growth. Today, it is known for its extensive, well-preserved historic district, over 138 historic markers, and the Texas State Railroad. The city has a rich Black history, highlighted by the Mount Vernon African Methodist Episcopal Church and a dedicated local history tour. The city's economy was originally driven by agriculture, but the railroad quickly became the backbone of the community, ultimately connecting it to the Missouri Pacific and later Union Pacific systems. Today, the city maintains its history through a 44-block Main Street historic district.
