Details for Morris Sheppard Dam and Possum Kingdom Lake

Historical Marker — Atlas Number 5363003475

Data

Marker Number 3475
Atlas Number 5363003475
Marker Title Morris Sheppard Dam and Possum Kingdom Lake
Index Entry Morris Sheppard Dam and Possum Kingdom Lake
Address
City Graford
County Palo Pinto
UTM Zone 14
UTM Easting 553514
UTM Northing 3637406
Subject Codes Federal programs; water topics
Marker Year 1983
Recorded Texas Historic Landmark No
Marker Location from Graford, take SH 254 west about 8 miles, then take SH 16 southwest about 2 miles take PR36 southwest about 25 miles to FM 2353 follow FM 2353 south about 1 mile to observation Point Road, go west about .5 mile to observation area
Private Property No
Marker Condition In Situ
Marker Size 27" x 42"
Marker Text Built in response to disastrous Brazos River flooding, Morris Sheppard Dam and Possum Kingdom Reservoir were early attempts at water conservation and flood control in Texas. The U.S. Government funded $4,500,000 of the three-year, $8,500,000 project through the Works Progress Administration, a Depression era recovery agency. Named for U.S. Senator Morris Sheppard and completed in 1941, the dam is 2,740 feet long and 190 feet high. Nine spillway gates allow for the passage of flood waters and drift material. Power generating facilities consist of two 11,250-killowatt units which serve much of the surrounding area. The creation of Possum Kingdom Lake from the impounded waters of Morris Sheppard Dam sent bridges, roads and an entire town underwater. Recovery was initially slow, but quickly picked up after World War II with the establishment of major fishing lodges, camping areas and other recreational facilities. The growth and success of the area is a tribute to the spirit of the surrounding communities which continue to benefit from the project's original purposes of water conservation and supply, and hydroelectric power generation. (1983)
ATLAS_NUM=5363003475

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