Historic Courthouse

Panola County Courthouse

Carthage, Texas

Built in 1853 and contractor James L. Howard.

Square, two story brick construction.

1885: abandoned for new courthouse

The Texas Historical Commission's (THC) nationally recognized and award-winning Texas Historic Courthouse Preservation Program (THCPP) has turned around the trend of disrepair and begun restoring these treasured historic landmarks. Texas has more historic courthouses than any other state. Today more than 240 courthouses still stand that are least 50 years old. About 80 were built before the turn of the 20th century. By the end of that century, most of these structures were significantly deteriorated due to inadequate maintenance, insensitive modifications or weather related damage. The Texas Historical Commission (THC) documented the condition of 50 of the state’s oldest courthouses in the late 1990s and determined that counties lacked the resources to preserve the buildings for future generations.

houses residential buildings Texas Revolution Republic of Texas
The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
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Panola County, located in northeastern Texas, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo and Cherokee, who relied on the fertile lands and abundant wildlife for their sustenance. In the early 19th century, European-American settlers began to migrate into the region, establishing small farming communities and plantations.

The county was officially created in 1846 and named after a Native American word meaning "cotton." Cotton soon became the dominant crop in Panola County, and the economy thrived with the expansion of plantations and the arrival of the railroad in the late 19th century. Many enslaved people were brought to the county to work on these plantations, forming a significant part of the county's population.

During the Civil War, the cotton industry suffered greatly as a result of the blockade imposed by Union forces. Panola County saw its fair share of struggles and battles, with the county divided in its loyalties between the Confederacy and the Union. Reconstruction after the war brought further challenges, including economic difficulties and social tensions.

In the early 20th century, the discovery of oil brought a significant economic boom to Panola County. Numerous oil fields were developed, attracting a surge of workers and investment to the area. While the oil industry has remained a vital part of the county's economy, diversification has also taken place, including the development of timber and agriculture sectors.

Today, Panola County is known for its natural beauty, historical landmarks, and strong sense of community. With a mix of small towns and rural areas, the county offers a blend of history, culture, and outdoor recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Panola County, Texas.

  • 1836 - Panola County is formed from parts of Harrison and Shelby Counties.
  • 1837 - Carthage is established as the county seat.
  • Late 1830s - Settlements are established in the area by pioneers.
  • 1846 - The Texas Legislature incorporates Carthage.
  • Late 1840s - Agriculture becomes a major industry in the county.
  • 1861-1865 - Panola County residents serve in the Confederate Army during the Civil War.
  • Early 1900s - The discovery of oil leads to economic growth in the county.
  • 1930s - The Great Depression brings economic challenges to Panola County.
  • 1960s - Civil rights movements advocate for equal rights in the county.
  • 2000s - Panola County experiences growth in industries such as energy and healthcare.