Welcome to Palestine
Do you know what Palestine is known for? If not read on….Palestine is a city in and the county seat of Anderson County in Texas, United States. It is known for its natural environment, including the dogwood floral blooming season, for having 23 historical sites on the National Register of Historic Places, and as the western terminus of the Texas State Railroad. This steam-and-diesel railroad museum operates tourist trains between Palestine and Rusk.
A trading post was established here about 1843 and some settlers gathered around it. In 1846, the Texas Legislature created Palestine to serve as a seat for the newly established Anderson County. James R. Fulton, Johnston Shelton, and William Bigelow were hired by the first Anderson County commissioners to survey the surrounding land and lay out a town site, consisting of a central courthouse square and the surrounding 24 blocks.
The International Railroad and the Houston and Great Northern Railroad first connected Palestine to the city of Hearne in 1872. By 1929 the Railroad line was abandoned during national restructuring but the Texas Legislature adapted the railroad as a state park in 1972, and was devoted to operating trains that showed some of the state’s railroad history. The Texas State Railroad is a state park that allows visitors to ride trains pulled by diesel and steam locomotives between the park’s Victorian-style depots and through the forests of East Texas. This short railroad line dates to 1883.
When you are in Palestine, be sure to check out Home Grill Steakhouse for the best steaks around. Whether you crave a juicy tender Ribeye or Sirloin, a mouthwatering New York or Filet, or if you dare to try our scrumptious Porterhouse, our steaks and sides will leave you wishing you were still hungry….they’re that good.