Old Lake Dam

Constructed in 1891, this dam created a body of water known variously as the City Reservoir, Ennis Railroad Lake, and Old City Lake. It was built in answer to a proposal by the Houston and Texas Central Railroad to move its divisional headquarters to Ennis from Corsicana. The lake provided water for the train station and machine shops. The location of the railroad here contributed to the growth of the city, and in recent years the Old Lake Dam has provided recreational facilities and flood control for the area.

Old Lake Dam is a historical marker in Ennis, Ellis County, dedicated in 1988. It is one of 116 historical markers documented in Ellis County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 300 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 32.3395, -96.6423 near Ennis. The nearest cataloged historic site is Morton House (historic place), about 0.6 miles away. Others within a short drive include House at 807 North Preston, House at 810 North Preston, and McCanless--Williams House.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5139007116. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.