CARTHAGE

Population 6,473

Altitude 302

General

Became seat of Panola (Indian word for cotton) County in 1848 when 100 acres were donated for townsite. Today a center for gas and oil processing, petrochemicals, lumber mills, chicken processing, and small industries. Birthplace of Tex Ritter and Jim Reeves.

Attractions

• HERITAGE HALL - Historical exhibits, including antique dolls, old buggy, Tex Ritter and Jim Reeves memorabilia, displayed in Texas Tearoom, open Monday thru Friday for lunch featuring homemade sandwiches, soups, and desserts. In restored historic bank building on the square.
• PANOLA COUNTY HISTORICAL JAIL MUSEUM -Historical building; LaGrone Family History Center; genealogical library, history of law enforcement in east Texas. Open Tues. & Wed. 10 a.. - 3 p.m.; Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m. North Shelby Street.
• REEVES MEMORIAL - A life sized statue of Jim Reeves commemorates the Panola County native who became one of America's best loved country/Western singers, who died in a plane crash in 1964. Member of Country Music Hall of Fame; millions of records to his credit. Memorial is three miles east of downtown on U.S. 79.
• TEX RITTER MUSEUM - Features memorabilia of the legendary country/Western entertainer who was an early member of the Grand Old Opry. Open Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 300 West Panola.

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