Lake Texoma Underwater Town

When visitors gaze out across the vast expanse of Lake Texoma, few realize that beneath its sparkling waters lies the ghost of a once-thriving community. The creation of this massive reservoir in the early 1940s didn’t just flood valleys and forests—it submerged homes, schools, cemeteries, and even an entire town. This is the story of the underwater town beneath Lake Texoma, a hidden chapter in the history of the Texas-Oklahoma borderlands.

The Origins of Lake Texoma

Lake Texoma was created as a result of the Denison Dam project, a monumental effort by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to control flooding on the Red River and provide hydroelectric power. Construction began in 1939, fueled by the growing demand for flood control after devastating floods struck the region in the early 20th century.

When the Denison Dam was completed in 1944, it formed Lake Texoma, one of the largest reservoirs in the United States, spanning over 89,000 acres. But the creation of this lake came at a cost—several small towns and settlements in the floodplain were destined to be swallowed by rising waters.

The Town of Woodville

One of the most notable submerged communities was the town of Woodville, Oklahoma. Founded in the late 19th century, Woodville was a small but lively settlement located near the Red River in Marshall County, Oklahoma. By the early 20th century, it boasted a population of around 400 residents, with churches, schools, general stores, and a close-knit community of farmers and ranchers.

Woodville’s location, unfortunately, placed it directly in the path of progress. As plans for the Denison Dam moved forward, it became clear that Woodville and surrounding areas would be inundated once the dam was completed and the lake filled. Residents were given notice to vacate their homes, relocate graves from the town cemetery, and move their lives elsewhere.

By 1943, Woodville’s buildings were abandoned. Some structures were demolished; others were left standing as the waters rose and consumed the town. The town’s residents scattered to nearby communities like Kingston, Madill, and Durant, forever leaving behind their old hometown.

What Remains Beneath

Today, when Lake Texoma’s water levels drop—especially during prolonged droughts—ghostly remnants of Woodville emerge from the depths. Crumbling foundations, stone walls, and the outlines of old roads occasionally surface, offering a fleeting glimpse into the past.

Scuba divers who explore the lake’s depths have reported finding relics of the submerged town, including old farm equipment, brick chimneys, and rusted metal scraps. Some local legends even claim that parts of Woodville’s schoolhouse or church steeple still stand intact beneath the murky waters, though much has likely been eroded or buried by decades of sediment.

Other Lost Communities

Woodville wasn’t the only community affected. Smaller settlements, farms, and homesteads across both sides of the Texas-Oklahoma border were also submerged. Families uprooted their lives, moving to higher ground or seeking opportunities in towns not impacted by the floodwaters. Even today, long-time locals pass down stories of “the old towns under the lake,” keeping their memory alive despite their physical disappearance.

Echoes of the Past

The story of Woodville and the underwater towns of Lake Texoma is more than just a tale of loss; it’s also a testament to the resilience of communities forced to adapt in the face of progress. While the lake brought economic benefits, recreation, and flood control, it also buried a way of life beneath its waves.

Visitors to Lake Texoma may never see Woodville’s ruins firsthand, but its legacy lingers in local lore, old family photographs, and the occasional resurfacing of forgotten foundations. For those who know where to look—or listen—the whispers of this underwater town are never far from the surface.

Did you know about Woodville before reading this? Have you ever spotted signs of the old town when Lake Texoma’s waters recede? Share your stories in the comments below!