Carthage, County seat in Panola County, Texas, United States.
Carthage is a city in Panola County located in deep East Texas, organized around a central courthouse square that forms the heart of downtown. The town sits on hilly terrain and features tree-lined streets with early 20th-century buildings that create the character of this county seat.
The town was founded in 1848 when Jonathan Anderson donated land to establish a settlement in this region of East Texas. Growth accelerated in 1888 with the arrival of railroad and telegraph lines, which connected the town to larger markets and brought new economic opportunities.
The Texas Country Music Hall of Fame and Tex Ritter Museum showcase the musical heritage of artists from the state through exhibits and yearly honors. Walking through these spaces, you can explore how music shaped the local identity and remains part of community life today.
The town is best explored on foot since its compact size makes it easy to see the main areas without a car. Plan to spend a few hours walking around the courthouse square and nearby streets, as most attractions are within easy reach of downtown.
Natural gas was discovered near the town during the Great Depression, transforming an agricultural community into an energy hub. This sudden discovery brought industry and rapid development to an area that had been defined by farms and ranches.
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