A Texas Reservoir
Located on Elm Creek in Jones County, Lake Fort Phantom Hill is on the north side of Abilene, Texas. With 4,213 acres and a maximum depth of 66 feet, this lake provides plenty of recreational opportunities.
Essentials
Lake Fort Phantom Hill is just two and a half hours from the vibrant city of Fort Worth, Texas. The nearest hospital is the Hendrick Medical Center, less than 20 minutes away. If you need to catch a flight, the Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport is two hours and 40 minutes away.
The Reservoir and Dam
Lake Fort Phantom Hill is a tributary of the Brazos River. The reservoir was constructed between 1937 and 1938, and its purpose was to drain a basin of around 470 square miles. An 84-foot dam mitigates the flood waters—also regulated by three additional upstream reservoirs. The Texas Utility Company began operating a power plant on the reservoir in 1974 and continues to monitor the lake. Today, the city of Abilene utilizes the lake for municipal and industrial purposes.
The Phantom History
During the westward expansion, many people traveled in search of land and gold. The federal government believed in the necessity of safe passage for these colonizers. So, in 1851, five companies of the fifth infantry arrived at the Clear Fork of the Brazos River in Texas to establish Fort Phantom Hill. They succeeded in building the fort, but lack of supplies and adequate water made living conditions hard.
The water in Elm Creek often dried up, and the water in the Brazos River was brackish. As a result, many had to journey miles away to obtain water and bring barrels of water back to the camp. Although living conditions were difficult, the infantry did not encounter conflicts with Native Americans in the area, and interactions between the two groups were peaceful.
The settlers abandoned the fort in 1854, and it eventually burned down. However, in 1858, Civil War soldiers rebuilt the fort, using it as a way station and a war fortress. By 1880, Fort Phantom Hill became a trading post, and a city grew up around it. Then in 1937, the fort inspired the name of the Fort Phantom Reservoir—a lake ironically built in a town known for droughts.
Spooky Legends
According to legend, Fort Phantom Lake has been the home of many hauntings. Some believe the “watery spirit of the lake” is a woman who lived in the woods now covered by the reservoir. Due to the violent attacks from Native American tribes, she and her husband made a pact that whenever one was to enter the cabin, they would say a secret password. If one did not tell the password, the other was to shoot. One day, while the husband was out in the woods, Native Americans attacked him. He made his way back to the cabin but was unable to say the password. So his wife, not hearing the password, shot and killed him. Many believe she wanders the lake to this day, cursed for murdering her husband.
Fishing and Parks
The fishing on Fort Phantom Lake draws visitors from all over. Common species include largemouth bass, hybrid bass, white bass, blue catfish, flathead catfish, white crappie, and freshwater drum.
Johnson Park and Seabee Park are located on the north and south side of the lake. Both offer hiking trails and picnicking sights. Kayaking trails are also available in Johnson Park.
Local Attractions
Visitors love exploring the historic Fort Phantom Hill, located close to the lake. The Frontier Texas Museum and Grace Museum are also great places to experience. If you are up for a day trip, Fort Worth has exciting activities like the Fort Worth Water Gardens, the Fort Worth Zoo, and the Fort Worth Stockyards.
Living
Fort Phantom Hill Lake is the perfect place to dive into the water as well as the local history. If you are looking for a place that offers a small-town feel and local charm, this lake is for you.