Ennis in Ellis County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Old Lake Dam
Photographed By James Hulse, January 11, 2021
1. Old Lake Dam Marker
Constructed in 1891, this dam created a body of water known variously as the City Reservoir, Ennis Railroad Lake, and Old City Lake. It was built in answer to a proposal by the Houston and Texas Central Railroad to move its divisional headquarters to Ennis from Corsicana. The lake provided water for the train station and machine shops. The location of the railroad here contributed to the growth of the city, and in recent years the Old Lake Dam has provided recreational facilities and flood control for the area.
Reverse
The Old Lake Dam, Now called Chambers Creek Watershed, Site 20a, was reconstructed in 1988 by the USDA, Soil Conservation Service, in cooperation with the Ellis - Prairie Soil and Water Conservation District and the City of Ennis, to provide flood control and continued recreational benefits.
Erected 1988 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 7116.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Railroads & Streetcars • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.
Location. 32° 20.363′ N, 96° 38.549′ W. Marker is in Ennis, Texas, in Ellis County. Marker is on North Clay Street, 0.1 miles north of Park Street, on the
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Ivan D. Goodwin (within shouting distance of this marker); Moore House (approx. 0.8 miles away); Myrtle Cemetery (approx. 1.1 miles away); Katie Daffan (approx. 1.1 miles away); Frederick Harrison Rankin (approx. 1.1 miles away); LaJuan Schlegel (approx. 1.1 miles away); Minnie McDowal (approx. 1.1 miles away); Pierce Park (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ennis.
Also see . . . Houston and Texas Central Railway. By April 22, 1861, the railroad was open eighty-one miles to Millican, but the Civil War prevented any additional construction until 1867. The H&TC reached Corsicana in 1871, Dallas in 1872, and Denison in 1873. Source: The Handbook of Texas (Submitted on January 16, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Photographed By James Hulse, January 11, 2021
2. Reverse side of the Old Lake Dam Marker
Photographed By James Hulse, January 11, 2021
3. Old Lake Dam Marker and the lake
Photographed By James Hulse, January 11, 2021
4. Old Lake Dam
Credits. This page was last revised on January 5, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 16, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 242 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on January 16, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
