Carthage City Square (Carthage, Texas)

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This is the center of Carthage, Texas. Prior to the migration of the area businesses to the Carthage Loop, this area was the focus of town life. The mere existence of this square was severely threatened on October 29, 1968, when a truck carrying 8200 gallons of propane sprung a leak just feet from the northwest corner of the square. The propane spewed into a bakery where it was ignited. The resulting explosion and fire destroyed an historic hotel and two other business, along with eight automobiles. The bravery of an area fire chief prevented destruction of the entire square when he crawled under the blazing truck and successfully shut-off the leaking valve, thus preventing an explosion of the entire load of propane. This square was spared that day.