1818Military
Reagan, (1818–1905) US Congressman before and after the Civil War, and US Senator after the war
James Saxton, (1940–2014) was an All-American NFL halfback for the Dallas Texans
...
1843Government
=== Founding ===
A trading post was established by Anglo-Americans circa 1843, and some settlers gathered around it.
1846Government
In 1846, the Texas Legislature incorporated Palestine to serve as a seat for the newly established Anderson County.
1849Government
== Media ==
Palestine is served by the daily Palestine Herald-Press, founded in 1849 as the Palestine Advocate, now owned by Community Newspaper Holdings.
1856Government
Campbell, (1856–1923) was the 24th Governor of Texas.
1858History
By 1858, Palestine had grown to a population of about 2,000.
1861History
An 1861 state almanac showed that the city was connected to the rest of Texas by a thrice-weekly stagecoach that served Huntsville, Crockett, and Nacogdoches.
1872Infrastructure
=== Railroad ===
The International Railroad and the Houston and Great Northern Railroad first connected Palestine to the city of Hearne in 1872.
1873Infrastructure
The railroad merged in 1873 to become the International and Great Northern Railroad (IGN).
1875History
In 1875, IGN president H.M.
1883Infrastructure
This short railroad line dates to 1883.
1892Architecture
The IGN built a major depot in 1892, and a modern passenger coach shop in 1902, making Palestine an important locomotive and coach location.
1902History
Jack Pepper, (1902–1979) was a vaudeville dancer, singer, comedian, musician, and later in life a nightclub manager.
1906Architecture
In 1906, the line reached Maydelle, and by 1909, the line was completed when it reached Palestine.
1914Architecture
=== Modern era ===
In 1914, the county's fourth courthouse was completed; it is still in use.
1915Culture
Russ Cotton, (1915–2009) was an NFL quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Keith Crawford, (b.
1918History
Guinn, (1918–1980) was a United States Navy Vice admiral.
1921History
Regularly scheduled train service ceased in 1921.
1928Economy
In 1928, oil was discovered at Boggy Creek, east of Palestine.
1935History
1935) is a politician who served as state representative and Texas Secretary of State
Bill Bradley, (b.
1942History
Activated in 1942, its FAA identifier is PSN.
1943History
1943) is a country music singer, famous for his 1975 hit "Love in the Hot Afternoon,"
Alliene Brandon Webb, (1910–1965) was a composer, singer, and teacher.
1946Military
Bennett, Vietnam War (1946–1972) United States Air Force pilot who posthumously received the Medal of Honor.
1947Sports
1947) is a former American football coach.
1952History
The service was discontinued between 1952 and 1954.
1954History
These shops continued to operate until 1954.
1955History
1955) is a former NFL linebacker for the Dallas Cowboys.
1960Architecture
Construction of the earth-filled Blackburn Crossing Dam on the Upper Neches River, creating Lake Palestine as a reliable source of water, was begun in 1960, and completed in 1962.
1962Architecture
=== Lake Palestine ===
Lake Palestine is a freshwater lake created in 1962 by the construction of the Blackburn Crossing dam on the Neches River.
1963Government
Todd Staples, (b.1963) Texas Commissioner of Agriculture and former member of both houses of the Texas State Legislature
Gene Watson, (b.
1969Infrastructure
The line was leased to various railroad companies until 1969, when they abandoned it during national restructuring of the industry.
1970History
1970) is a former NFL cornerback for Green Bay Packers
Oscar Dugey, (1887–1966) was an MLB Second baseman for the 1915 NL Champions Philadelphia Phillies
Dick H.
1972Government
The Texas Legislature adapted the railroad as a state park in 1972, to be devoted to operating trains that showed some of the state's railroad history.
1977Culture
1977) stand-up comedian
Blacktop Mojo, Rock band
Smith Ballew, (1902–1984) was an actor, sophisticated singer, orchestra leader, and a western singing star.
1985History
1985) is an NFL running back known for his years with the Minnesota Vikings, 2012 MVP.
1996History
1996), is an American actor and producer.
2000History
=== 2000 census ===
In 2000, the racial and ethnic makeup was 64.60% White, 24.77% African American, 0.49% Native American, 0.79% Asian, 0.07% Pacific Islander, 7.90% from other...
2003History
About 40% of the content from the 2003 Space Shuttle Columbia disaster was recovered, seven astronauts were killed in the accident.
2010Education
A new, $9.6 million, 50-acre (200,000 m2) campus opened in 2010, fall semester.
2015Crime
On November 15, 2015, a mass shooting took place at a campsite several miles northwest of Palestine.
2017History
He was convicted and sentenced to death by a Brazos County jury on November 15, 2017.
2018Civil Rights
In March 2018, the school had 188 students enrolled, and planned to grow to 600 students.
2020History
The city had a 2020 U.S.
2021History
On average, the coolest month is January, and the lowest recorded temperature was –6 °F in 2021.