A Texas Treasure

On a return road trip recently, I made it a point to go a few miles out of my way for a visit to Caddo Lake State Park, in Karnack, Texas.   Until is was artificially dammed in the early 1900s, for oil exploration and flood control, the lake was the only naturally-occurring lake in Texas.   A visitor to Caddo Lake State Park, where I took these photos, mentioned it was not only the state’s only authentic lake, but the only one in the entire southern United States.   I’ll leave that to the experts.  Whatever the case, this beautiful body of water in  Northeast Texas, which also flows into Louisiana, is magnificent, taking in 25,400 acres.  It’s also home to the largest cypress forest in the world and has abundant plant and wildlife, including owls, herons, eagles and yes, even a few alligators.   During my brief visit, a heron, intent on breakfast, was my only feathered encounter.  One famous part-time resident of the area is the Eagles’  Don Henley, raised in nearby Linden, Texas.   And don’t forget Karnack’s famous duaghter, Lady Bird Johnson.

At one time, the area was inhabited by the Caddo Indians, one of many tribes forcefully removed from their homes during the 19th century.  Much publicity is given to the Big Bend area of the state, but let me tell you, friends, Caddo Lake is magical.