Palestine, Texas

Palestine (pronounced PAL-es-teen) is a city located in Anderson County, Texas. As of the 2000 census, the city had a total population of 17,598. It is the county seat of Anderson County{{GR|6}} and is situated in East Texas. Palestine was named for Palestine, Illinois, the home of an early settler.

Related Topics:
Anderson County, Texas - 2000 - County seat - East Texas - Palestine, Illinois

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The largest employer is the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, which employs more than 3,900. Another 1,600 work at two Wal-Mart distribution centers. Other significant employers include a thriving medical and healthcare sector that tends to the large population of retirees. Finally a distinguishing mark of Palestine is that it is home to the NASA National Scientific Balloon Facility, which has flown 1700 high-altitude balloons for universities and research agencies.

Related Topics:
Texas Department of Criminal Justice - Wal-Mart - NASA - National Scientific Balloon Facility

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Palestine entered the news in February, 2003, as one of the East Texas towns that received much of the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster debris.

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