This city became the seat of Panola County in 1848 when 100-acres of land were donated for the town site. Today there is a center for gas and oil processing, petrochemicals, lumber mills, chicken processing and other small industries. This city is also the birthplace of Tex Ritter and Jim Reeves.
Things to do in Carthage
Lake Murvaul
Located on the Murvaul Bayou in Panola County, 15-miles west of Carthage.
Panola County Heritage Museum
This museum includes historical exhibits, including antique dolls and an old buggy. The Texas Tearoom is open Monday - Friday for lunch featuring homemade sandwiches, soups and deserts. Do not miss the gift shop. Located at 100 East Sabine Street.
Panola County Historical Jail Museum
This historical Building includes the Grone Family History Center, a genealogical library and a history of law enforcement in east Texas. Located at North Shelby Street. Open Tuesday & Wednesday 10am - 3pm; Sunday 1 - 5pm.
Reeves Memorial
Here visitors can view the life-sized statue of Jim Reeves, which commemorates his life and career as one of the America's best loved country-western singers. Reeves died in 1964 during a plane crash. The singer is a member of The Country Music Hall of Fame with millions of records to his credit. The Memorial is three miles east of downtown on U.S. 79.
Texas Country Music Hall of Fame The Tex Ritter Museum
This 2.2 million, 13,000-square foot facility pays tribute to Texans who have made their mark on the country music industry. Inductees include Waylon Jennings, Ernest Rubb, Lefty Frizzell, Kris Kristofferson, Gene Autry and Willie Nelson. The Tex Ritter Museum contains memorabilia of the country western entertainer who was an early member of the Grand Old Opry and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Open Monday - Friday 8:30 - 4:30pm; Saturday 1 - 4pm. Located at 300 West Panola. Call 903-693-6634 for more information.