Carthage, Texas

A Main Street City

Nestled in the heart of East Texas, Carthage is a small city with a rich history and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. This hidden gem offers a delightful blend of Southern charm, historical attractions, and natural beauty that is sure to captivate any traveler. Carthage was established in 1847 and named after the ancient city of Carthage in North Africa. The city played a significant role in the development of East Texas, particularly during the early years of the Texas oil boom. With its deep-rooted history and small-town charm, Carthage offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Texas’ past. Historical attractions include:

• Texas Country Music Hall of Fame & Tex Ritter Museum: Established in 1998, this museum pays tribute to the rich history of Texas country music. It features memorabilia, exhibits, and interactive displays showcasing the careers of legendary artists like Tex Ritter, Willie Nelson, and George Jones.

• Panola County Heritage Museum: This museum showcases the history of Panola County, from its early settlers to modern-day life. The exhibits cover a wide range of topics, including agriculture, industry, and social history.

• The Footprints in the Sand Monument: A beautiful and thought-provoking monument situated near Carthage’s picturesque city park. The monument is dedicated to the poem “Footprints in the Sand” and its message of faith and perseverance.

Carthage is also known for its lively community events, which bring residents and visitors together to celebrate the town’s rich culture and heritage. Some annual highlights include:

• The Piney Woods Quilt Festival: Held every April, this event showcases stunning quilt displays and offers workshops for enthusiasts of all skill levels.

• The East Texas Oil & Gas Blast: A fun-filled weekend in June that celebrates the region’s oil and gas industry with live music, food vendors, and family activities.

• The Texas Country Music Hall of Fame Show: An annual event held in August, featuring performances by inductees and other country music legends.

If you like the outdoors, you can enjoy hiking, fishing, and birdwatching at nearby Lake Murvaul.

Carthage, Texas, is a delightful destination that offers visitors a unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re a history buff, a country music fan, or just looking for a charming and friendly place to unwind, Carthage has something for everyone.

Forest Trail Partners​

If you’d like to join our Partner Program, you can contact us by clicking the button below.

Shop Carthage Gear

Each Purchase Supports Our Non-Profit

Carthage Established T-Shirt

19.95

Let Us Know

Do you know of a place or event in East Texas that we should know about? If you do, please fill out the form below. We are always interested hearing about anything to do with our region!

"*" indicates required fields

Name:*

ETX Blog

Read ETX focused blogs on a number of topics.

ETX SHOP

Show your pride with East Texas city specific gear.

ETX COMMUNITIES

Looking for something to do in East Texas?

ETX MARKETING

Let us help promote your
business.

The Texas Forest Trail Needs Your Support

We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit group that helps bring tax dollars and travelers to every county in East Texas, and provide communities with the tools, training, and professional support they need to preserve their history and successfully market their tourism sites and attractions.