Lewis Benjamin "Squire" Haskins, Jr./Southlake Historical Society
A new exhibit called "Making A Splash: How Lake Grapevine Put Southlake On The Map," presented by the Southlake Historical Society, will be on display in the lobby of Southlake Town Hall from July 15 to August 24.
The exhibit tells the stories of the people who were impacted by the creation of the lake through family photos as well as aerial maps and photographs.
It all started in 1947 when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began construction on a reservoir and dam designed to control Trinity River flooding and act as a water source for Dallas. The clearing of Denton Creek bottomlands finished in 1952, and it took until 1957 for the lake to fill up. It was during this time that Southlake was born.
"Obviously, Southlake was named with the lake in mind," Historical Society President Connie Cooley says. "But before the town was incorporated in 1956, Hurst was making moves to annex unincorporated areas all the way to the lake. Folks who lived here didn't like that and acted quickly."
Since then, the lake has become an integral part of the local life. It has helped Southlake attract countless families looking to escape the bustle of the city in favor of a more laid-back lifestyle full of sun and nature.
The exhibit is free and open to the public. For more information, visit the Southlake Historical Society’s website.