Lake Travis and Lake Austin History

Nestled in the heart of Texas Hill Country, Lake Travis and Lake Austin are two of the most popular destinations for outdoor enthusiasts, water sports enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. These two reservoirs are surrounded by stunning landscapes and are steeped in history. Let’s take a closer look at the history of Lake Travis and Lake Austin.

Lake Travis

Lake Travis is a reservoir on the Colorado River in central Texas. The lake was created in 1942 by the construction of the Mansfield Dam, which was built to control flooding on the Colorado River. The dam was named after a former United States Congressman from Texas, J.J. Mansfield.

After the dam was completed, the newly created Lake Travis became a popular destination for boating and fishing. However, it wasn’t until the 1960s that Lake Travis truly took off as a recreational destination. With the growth of Austin and its surrounding suburbs, more and more people began flocking to Lake Travis to enjoy its clear waters, sandy beaches, and picturesque landscapes.

Today, Lake Travis is one of the largest and most popular lakes in Texas. It spans over 63 miles and has a maximum depth of over 210 feet. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities on the lake, including boating, fishing, swimming, and even scuba diving.

Lake Austin

Lake Austin, on the other hand, is a smaller reservoir that was also created by the construction of a dam on the Colorado River. The dam, known as the Tom Miller Dam, was built in 1939 to generate electricity for the city of Austin.

Like Lake Travis, Lake Austin quickly became a popular destination for water sports and recreation. In fact, the lake was so popular that in the 1950s, a group of local businessmen decided to build a luxury hotel on the lake’s shores. The hotel, called the Villa Capri, became a popular destination for celebrities and high-society types, and helped to establish Lake Austin as a prime location for luxury living.

Today, Lake Austin is known for its beautiful homes, stunning waterfront views, and luxurious boathouses. It remains a popular destination for boaters, kayakers, and paddleboarders, as well as those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and enjoy a peaceful retreat in nature.

Both Lake Travis and Lake Austin have played important roles in the history of the Texas Hill Country. From their humble beginnings as reservoirs for flood control and energy generation, to their current status as prime destinations for outdoor recreation and luxury living, these two lakes have a rich and fascinating history that continues to be written to this day.