Cities and Towns in Panola County, Texas

Founded in 1846, Panola County is one of 254 counties in the state of Texas. Historically, Panola County was formed from Harrison County and Shelby County. The city of Carthage is the county seat. With FIPS code of 365, Panola County has a population of 22,675 and area of 801 square miles (2,075 km²).

List of all cities in Panola County, TX alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Beckville, TX	75631	903/430
Carthage, TX	75633	903/430
Clayton, TX	75637	903/430
De Berry, TX	75639	903/430
Dotson, TX	75669	903/430
East Side, TX	75639	903/430
Fair Play, TX	75631	903/430
Gary, TX	75643	903/430
Gary City, TX	75643	903/430
Grand Bluff, TX	75631	903/430
Horton, TX	75639	903/430
Latex, TX	75685	903/430
Long Branch, TX	75669	903/430
Panola, TX	75685	903/430

Major Cities and Towns in Panola County, Texas

Carthage

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 10.6 square miles
• Population: 6,827 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 75633
• Latitude: 32.1561° N
• Longitude: 94.3180° W

Location and History

Carthage, the county seat of Panola County, is located in the northeastern part of Texas, near the Louisiana border. The city was established in the early 1830s and was named after the ancient city of Carthage. It quickly became an important trade and transportation hub, thanks to its location along major roads and later, the Texas and Pacific Railroad. Carthage’s early economy was primarily driven by agriculture, particularly cotton farming, and it played a role in the cotton trade that was vital to the region. The discovery of oil in the area in the 1930s further boosted the local economy, and Carthage became known as the “Gas Capital of East Texas” during the boom years. Over the years, the city has expanded its economy to include manufacturing, retail, and services, while retaining its historical charm. Carthage is also known for its role in the Civil War, as a strategic location during the conflict. Today, the city remains a vibrant community with a rich history that is reflected in its architecture, local festivals, and cultural events.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Carthage is served by the Carthage Independent School District, which includes Carthage High School, Carthage Middle School, and several elementary schools. The district is known for its academic success and athletic programs, with the Carthage Bulldogs being a point of pride for the community. Carthage is also home to Panola College, which offers a range of higher education opportunities. The town has several historic landmarks, including the Panola County Courthouse, a striking example of early 20th-century architecture. Another significant landmark is the Texas Country Music Hall of Fame, celebrating the region’s contributions to country music. The city also boasts the Carthage Heritage Museum, which showcases the area’s history, from Native American artifacts to Civil War-era exhibits. Carthage is also famous for the annual “Carthage Football Classic,” which draws large crowds for high school football games and festivities. Nearby, Lake Murvaul provides opportunities for fishing, boating, and other outdoor activities, making it a popular destination for both locals and visitors.

Beckville

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 1.0 square mile
• Population: 1,500 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 75631
• Latitude: 32.2905° N
• Longitude: 94.5112° W

Location and History

Beckville is a small, rural town located in the southwestern part of Panola County, Texas. The town was established in the late 19th century and was originally named “Pine Ridge” for its location near dense pine forests. The town was renamed Beckville in honor of Beck Sims, a local businessperson and prominent figure in the area’s early development. Like many towns in East Texas, Beckville grew rapidly in the late 1800s due to the expansion of the railroad and the booming timber industry. The town’s population swelled as families moved in to work in the timber mills, and Beckville became a center for lumber production. However, like many small towns in the region, Beckville’s economy began to decline as the timber industry slowed down in the 20th century. Despite its small size, Beckville has retained its charm as a quiet, close-knit community. Today, it is primarily a residential town, with residents commuting to nearby cities for work. The town continues to preserve its rural character while offering modern amenities for its small population.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Beckville is served by the Beckville Independent School District, which includes Beckville High School, a small but highly regarded school in the area. The district emphasizes a close-knit, community-oriented educational experience. Students from Beckville High School participate in various extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and community service projects. The town is home to a few local landmarks, including the historic Beckville Baptist Church, which has been an important center of community life for over a century. Although Beckville is not known for large tourist attractions, its proximity to the Sabine National Forest provides residents and visitors with access to outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and birdwatching. The town is also located near the Sabine River, which offers opportunities for fishing and boating. Beckville’s quiet rural lifestyle and strong sense of community continue to make it a peaceful place to live.

Gary

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 1.0 square mile
• Population: 500 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 75643
• Latitude: 32.3064° N
• Longitude: 94.4856° W

Location and History

Gary is a small, unincorporated community located in the northern part of Panola County, Texas. The area was settled in the mid-1800s by pioneers moving westward, and the town’s economy initially revolved around agriculture, particularly cotton farming and cattle ranching. Gary was officially established as a town in the late 19th century, and its economy grew with the arrival of the railroad, which facilitated the transport of goods to and from the area. The town was named after the Gary family, who were influential in its early development. Over the years, Gary remained a small, rural community, with much of its economy tied to agriculture and local businesses. While the town’s population has remained relatively small, it has continued to serve as a hub for the surrounding rural areas, offering essential services and serving as a point of commerce for nearby farms and ranches. Today, Gary remains a peaceful, unincorporated community, known for its friendly residents and close-knit atmosphere.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Gary is served by the Gary Independent School District, which includes Gary High School and a few smaller elementary schools. The district is known for its small but dedicated staff and its focus on providing a well-rounded education to the children in this rural community. Gary’s local landmarks are few but include the Gary Community Center, which serves as the center of local events and gatherings. The town also has a few small parks and outdoor spaces that locals use for recreational activities, as well as the nearby Sabine National Forest, which offers access to hiking, camping, and fishing opportunities. While the town is not a major tourist destination, its rural charm and proximity to larger cities like Carthage make it a quiet and welcoming place to live. Gary’s small-town atmosphere is complemented by its location near nature preserves and recreational areas, providing a perfect balance of tranquility and outdoor adventure.

Tenaha

Area, Population, Zip Codes, Latitude, and Longitude

• Area: 2.4 square miles
• Population: 1,200 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 75974
• Latitude: 31.9705° N
• Longitude: 94.3950° W

Location and History

Tenaha is a small town located in the southeastern part of Panola County, Texas. The town was originally settled in the mid-19th century and grew up around a railroad station, which became a central point for commerce and trade in the region. The name “Tenaha” is derived from a local Native American term, though the exact meaning is unclear. In the late 1800s, Tenaha became a small but vital community for surrounding farms and ranches, as it served as a center for the agricultural trade. The town’s economy has historically been based on cotton farming, cattle ranching, and timber, all of which played significant roles in shaping the local culture and economy. Over the years, Tenaha has remained a small, rural town with a close-knit community. While the population has fluctuated, Tenaha continues to be an important part of Panola County, providing services and infrastructure to surrounding areas.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Tenaha is served by the Tenaha Independent School District, which includes Tenaha High School and several elementary schools. The district is committed to providing quality education to students in the rural community, offering a variety of academic and extracurricular activities. Local landmarks in Tenaha include the historic Tenaha Depot, which was once a bustling railroad station and now serves as a museum to commemorate the town’s early days. Tenaha is also known for the Tenaha City Park, which offers a space for local events, picnics, and recreation. The town is located near the Sabine National Forest, providing easy access to hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities. Despite its small size, Tenaha is an important part of the region’s agricultural economy and offers a peaceful, rural lifestyle to its residents.