Former Ellis County community of Sand Lake recognized with historical marker

SAND LAKE – On March 22, the Texas State Historical Commission recognized the former community of Sand Lake by dedicating a historical marker to the community set on the west banks of the Trinity River, east of Telico.

Sand Lake, named for a narrow lake just west of the Trinity River and north of state highway 34, has its roots deep in Texas history. It is located on land deeded by the Republic of Texas to the heirs of Daniel Buckley, who lost his life in the 1836 Battle of Goliad.

In the late 19th century, the community became a stop on the Texas Midland Railroad from Ennis to Paris, Texas.

The railroad provided an opportunity for sportsmen to take advantage of the excellent hunting and fishing in the river bottom lands.

Subsequently, a small village developed near the railroad switch with a grocery store and post office, blacksmith shop, ice house, and two schools, one for white students and one for black students.

The population of Sand Lake reached 200 people by 1940, but when the levee breached and flooded the area in 1942 and 1946, it washed out the railroad tracks which were never replaced.  The population dropped to 48 in 1950 and the community of Sand Lake never recovered.

The marker can be viewed at 7000 State Highway 34 east of Ennis.