Around Atlanta, Texas

Lake Wright Patman Turns 50

8/2/2006
The summer of 2006 marks the 50th year since Lake Wright Patman, formerly Lake Texarkana, was placed into operation as part of the Flood Control Act of 1946. Construction on the dam that blocked the Sulphur River began in 1948. For three years, beginning in 1953, the reservoir was operated as a temporary detention basin. Then, in June of 1956, the gates were closed and impoundment of water began. The lake continues to be operated by the Corps of Engineers.

The Corps manages four campgrounds with 300 campsites situated on the 54,000 acres surrounding the lake. Under normal conditions, water covers 25,000 acres. With an average depth of 7.6 feet, the deepest parts of the lake measure 40 feet. As one of the 25 lakes in the Corps’ Fort Worth District, Lake Wright Patman hosts over one million visitors each year.

In addition to the campgrounds, the Corps manages the timber and hunting activities on the land around the lake. Timber harvests are accomplished using the selective thin method. Over 30 miles of hunter access roads have been constructed as well as wildlife food plots. The Corps is also charged by the federal government with protection of cultural resources such as Caddo Indian artifacts. While the Smithsonian Institute and state archaeologists have conducted excavations around the lake, surface collecting of artifacts by the public is prohibited by law and enforced by the Corps.

One of the most well-known parks on Lake Wright Patman is Atlanta State Park, part of the Texas Parks and Wildlife system. Situated on 1,475 acres, Atlanta State Park is located mid-way along the southern section of the 170 mile shoreline. The park offers camping, picnicking, jogging, bicycling, swimming, nature and hiking trails, water skiing, boating and fishing.

Lake Wright Patman is a premier asset for North East Texas and local communities. For more information about activities and the abundant flora and fauna in the lake area, visit www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/atlanta/ .

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