Hitting the half-century mark
During 2007 Lake Jacksonville celebrated its 50th year. A giant birthday card was displayed at the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce throughout 2007. Everyone in the Jacksonville community was invited to sign the card to commemorate the completion of Lake Jacksonville in 1957.
Labor Day 2007 marked the official birthday celebration which included a huge birthday cake. Thanks to Judy Moscicki, our events coordinator, for pulling everything together.
How the lake was born
Buckner Dam that impounds Lake Jacksonville was completed in August of 1957. At that time, few could have foreseen what the lake would become over the next 50 years. The lake was originally intended as a water supply for the City of Jacksonville and little consideration was given to any leisure activity or residential development. Lease lots were selling for $200 to those who wanted a weekend get-away.
Today the character of Lake Jacksonville has changed dramatically. No longer just a water supply lake, the water-front lots are virtually sold out and the improvements now include many more full-time residences than weekend get-aways. The lake has also become a vacation destination with outstanding fishing and boating opportunities. The impact to the local economy of the 500 households at the lake is critical to many businesses in the community.
Although it has undergone some changes in the last 50 years, most residents believe Lake Jacksonville continues to be the best kept secret in East Texas.
