Panola County, Texas
East Texas charm is everywhere in Panola County, which sits right along the Louisiana border. Carthage serves as the county seat and is home to the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame, a must-see for music fans.
Pine forests cover much of the landscape, while oil has powered the local economy for generations. Pump jacks can be spotted working away across the pastures, a familiar part of the county’s rural scenery.
Lake Murvaul is known for its largemouth bass fishing and peaceful natural setting. Cypress trees draped with Spanish moss rise from the water, creating an almost otherworldly atmosphere. And beneath the surface, alligators quietly patrol the lake.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Panola County |
| County Seat | Carthage |
| Population | Approximately 25,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Carthage, Gary, Beckville, Marshall |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 59, U.S. Highway 79 |
| FIPS Code | 48-365 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 812 square miles (807 sq mi land, 5 sq mi water) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Harrison County (North), Caddo Parish, Louisiana (Northeast), De Soto Parish, Louisiana (East), Shelby County (South), Rusk County (West) |
| Time Zone | Central Time Zone (CST) |
| State | Texas |
| Coordinates | 32°09’N, 94°19’W |
| Etymology | Named after the Native American word for cotton. |
| Major Landmarks | Texas Country Music Hall of Fame, Lake Murvaul |
