texas natural tidal lake texas flood basin known greenish waters derives lake located miles west miles south victoria gulf coastal plain despite miles coast waters fresh largest natural freshwater lake entirely texas covering area approximately acres separated delta years ago wetland ecosystem supporting wide variety developed lake shore delta archaeological evidence supports claims settlement affluent 19th century agricultural community established near mid-19th century status virtually abandoned aftermath american_civil_war strategically important early stages war proximity fresh water gulf_of_mexico reaching low point great depression community rebounded following nearby discovery oil fictional lake similar history featured novel holes miles miles wide water level shallower near shoreline deepest center lake feet shore generally flat averages feet depth nearby frequently floods plain main source fresh water renewal shoreline naturally grassy poorly drained coastal marshes lake improve drainage constructed separating lake runs bay northern eastern shores cutting lake canal begins north industrial plant outside victoria runs western shore delta wildlife management area south confluence history formation formed initially northern inlet shifted westward years ago deposited developing delta years ago delta discharge extended completely bay northern extension system formed present day pottery burial grounds found area suggest presence time formation uncovered north lake contained shells water species settlement wealthy cotton farmers kentucky established plantations settled fertile lands near lake 1850s establishing town texas hand accounts described locality neighborhood characterized wealth social standing residents american_civil_war returning residents found slaves livestock farm equipment taken residents relocated early 20th century farmers returned town grew approximate population time land vicinity livestock grazing profitable commercial uses lake included transportation lumber fishing approximately worth fish caught lake lake bed remained dry extended periods vegetation covered certain areas local residents soon began use bed grow cotton texas filed try title suit reclaim lake bed state state austin declared lake permanent fact granting bed state texas game fish commission later permission texas attorney general commissioner sold bed private buyer agricultural use case state austin upheld sale valid color law immune try title suit year statute limitations land sales classified public body water affirmed classification rejecting argument bed owner lake definition natural depression flooded surface runoff great depression population settlement remained low discovery oil wells constructed operated population number reported civil war lake played role evacuation federal troops texas onset american_civil_war texas considered united_states general commander federal troops texas negotiated state leaders concerning transfer federal property learning negotiations united_states military moved replace colonel texas viewed rejection negotiations proceeded claim federal property awaiting relief surrendered property condition federal troops peacefully evacuate allowed depart texas coast arrived relocated troops near await coastal departure near adequate source freshwater stay fell siege texas grew concerned concentration armed federal troops area respective nations war texas considered deal void began capture federal troops force join confederacy prisoners war remaining companies state attempted flee regiments camped lake later war complained flora fauna area forests black willow cedar american green ash south delta wildlife management area serves wetland habitat thousands permanent birds including brown reddish white faced wood bald eagle white tailed hawk falcon crane american reside area trout main species fish living lake construction embankment reduced populations large quantity deposited lake freshwater channel supplies farmers plant channel negatively affected delta ecosystem diminishing river input popular culture texas setting novel holes film adaptation described dry lake largest state surrounded affluent community long drought lake dried area ghost town juvenile sent camp green lake dig holes punishment
Green Lake (Texas)