Palestine, Texas

Palestine, Texas
Location of Palestine, Texas
Coordinates: 31°45′16″N 95°38′48″W / 31.75444°N 95.64667°W / 31.75444; -95.64667
Country United States
State Texas
CountyAnderson
Incorporated1846
Government
 • TypeCouncil–manager
Area
 • Total
19.63 sq mi (50.83 km2)
 • Land19.42 sq mi (50.30 km2)
 • Water0.20 sq mi (0.53 km2)
Elevation
509 ft (155 m)
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
18,544
 • Density912.9/sq mi (352.46/km2)
Time zoneUTC-6 (Central (CST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-5 (CDT)
ZIP codes
75801-75803, 75882
Area codes903, 430
FIPS code48-54708
GNIS feature ID2411355
Websitewww.cityofpalestinetx.com

Palestine (/ˈpælɪstn/ PAL-ist-een) is a city in and the seat of Anderson County in the U.S. state of Texas. It was named after Palestine, Illinois, by preacher Daniel Parker, who had migrated from that town.

The city had a 2020 U.S. census population of 18,544, making it the sixth-largest incorporated municipality in Northeast Texas by population. Palestine is a relatively small city located in the Piney Woods, equidistant from the major cities of Dallas, Houston, and Shreveport, Louisiana.

It is notable for its natural environment, and has a notable dogwood blooming season. It has 23 historical sites on the National Register of Historic Places, and was the western terminus of the historic Texas State Railroad. Today, this steam-and-diesel railroad museum operates tourist trains between Palestine and Rusk.