The Texas House and Senate approved the following last week honoring the city of Mineola’s sesquicentennial:

CONCURRENT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Proud residents of Mineola are celebrating the 150th anniversary of their community’s founding in 2023; and

WHEREAS, Mineola was established in 1873 when the International-Great Northern Railroad and the Texas and Pacific Railway built lines through the northeastern region of the state; the town became a vital part of the area’s commerce, and trains often stopped for crew and passengers to drink from the “health-giving” waters of the community’s artesian well; and

WHEREAS, By 1890, the population of Mineola had grown to 2,000 people, and the town boasted seven churches and several schools, hotels, and banks; the local economy was supported by the timber industry, as well as cattle raising and the production of a variety of agricultural crops; a chair factory was opened in 1886, and the facility later operated as a crate and basket factory until 1952; in the 1940s, the discovery of oil in Wood County and the construction of a railroad shop further bolstered the town’s economy; and

 WHEREAS, Today, Mineola is a designated “National Main Street City,” and its picturesque downtown is a popular destination for tourists; in addition to a variety of local shops and restaurants, residents and visitors alike enjoy such attractions as the annual Iron Horse Heritage Festival, the Mineola Nature Preserve, and the Lake Country Playhouse and the Historic Select Theater; and

WHEREAS, Celebrating their rich history as they work to build an even brighter future, the people of Mineola are justifiably proud of their community, and it is indeed a pleasure to honor their contributions to the story of the Lone Star State on this milestone occasion; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the 88th Legislature of the State of Texas hereby commemorate the 150th anniversary of the city of Mineola and extend to its citizens sincere best wishes for the future.