History of Caddo Lake in Timeline

Caddo Lake, spanning 25,400 acres, sits on the Texas-Louisiana border. Named after the Caddo Native Americans, the lake and its surrounding bayou wetlands were once home to this tribe. However, the Caddo people were forcibly removed from their ancestral lands during the 19th century by the U.S. government, who relocated them to Indian Territory.

1911: World's First Over-Water Oil Platform

In 1911, the world's first over-water oil platform, Ferry Lake No. 1, was constructed on Caddo Lake.

1913: Lionel Janes Conducts Federal Survey

Ecologist Lionel Janes conducted a federal survey of Caddo Lake (called Ferry Lake at the time) in 1913 for the Department of Interior.

1913: Survey of Caddo Lake

In 1913, a survey was conducted to study the formation of Caddo Lake, known as Ferry Lake at the time.

1914: Lionel Janes Conducts Federal Survey

Ecologist Lionel Janes conducted a federal survey of Caddo Lake (called Ferry Lake at the time) in 1914 for the Department of Interior.

1914: Survey of Caddo Lake

In 1914, a survey was conducted to study the formation of Caddo Lake, known as Ferry Lake at the time.

1934: Establishment of Caddo Lake State Park

In 1934, in an effort to preserve parts of Caddo Lake, Texas established a 483-acre state park.

1965: Bigfoot Sightings Begin at Caddo Lake

According to the North American Wood Ape Conservancy (NAWAC), alleged sightings of Bigfoot in the vicinity of Caddo Lake started in 1965.

October 1993: Caddo Lake Designated as Ramsar Convention Site

In October 1993, due to the efforts of the Caddo Lake Institute, Caddo Lake was designated as one of thirteen protected areas in the United States by the Ramsar Convention, an international effort to protect wetlands.

2001: Legal Battle Over Water Rights Begins

The year 2001 marked the beginning of a legal battle between Caddo Lake residents and the City of Marshall, Texas over water rights.

2003: Caddo Lake Flora and Fauna Assessment

In 2003, an assessment determined that Caddo Lake was home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including 189 species of trees and shrubs, 75 grasses, 42 woody vines, 216 types of birds, 90 fish and reptile species, and 47 mammal species. Notably, 44 of these species were categorized as endangered, threatened, or rare.

2003: Legal Battle Over Water Rights Concludes

The legal battle over water rights between Caddo Lake residents and the City of Marshall, Texas, concluded in 2003.

2005: Giant Salvinia Threatens Caddo Lake

By 2005, Caddo Lake faced a new threat: the rapid spread of Giant Salvinia, an invasive aquatic fern. This infestation, exacerbated by the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, posed a significant challenge to the lake's ecosystem.