Answers to Go with Susan Smith
Q. I’m pleased to hear the plans for repairing the dam right below Spring Lake. Does the library have historical information on that dam? Part 2
A. Last week’s question dealt with the history of Spring Lake dam. In researching that, I found fascinating information on dams that have disappeared.
Let’s return to that article in the spring 2015 issue of “Texas Watersheds,” a publication of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
Authors Ken Saunders and Karim Aziz wrote, “Most of the 7,500 dams in Texas are located on smaller rivers and streams. These dams were an integral part of the state’s historical economic development, providing power to drive mechanical mills and providing water for cattle and agricultural irrigation.
“Unbeknownst to most people, the upper San Marcos was once extensively impounded. Beginning in the mid-to late 1800s, eight dams were constructed for purposes including agricultural irrigation, power to run saw and grist mills, domestic water supply and production of electricity. Of the eight dams, four remain.”
This article includes a map that shows the location of the eight dams on the upper San Marcos. The first is the Spring Lake Dam and furthest downstream is the Cummings Dam. The other two that remain are Rio Vista Dam and Cape’s Dam.
Where were the other dams? Smith’s Mill Dam (1875) was just upriver from Hopkins Street. It was owned by Ed G.L. Green and covered approximately three surface acres. This dam was likely associated with a bath house and a large swimming area.
The Walter Tipps Irrigation Dam (1876) was at the point where Purgatory Creek enters the San Marcos River. Construction of this dam created an island known as Hell’s Half Acre and/or Snake Island. It had a surface area of one acre.
Glover’s Irrigation Dam (1895) at Willow Springs was between Rio Vista Dam and Interstate 35. The surface area was 10 acres.
Glover built a second dam for a mill and irrigation in 1904. The Mattie Glover Dam at Willow Springs Creek was down river from Cape’s Dam near Thompson’s Island. It had a surface area of four acres.
Eight dams. That’s a lot of dams on our river.
