During the Great Depression, a gas field was discovered near Carthage. After World War II, this gas field was developed and proved to be the largest in the United States. The city flourished, with the population increasing from about 1,300 to 5,000. During this period, a courthouse and a high school were built. Panola County Junior College was founded and built in Carthage. KGAS-AM 1590 began broadcasting in 1955. As a result of the higher population, Panola General Hospital was established.