Sheppard, Morris, Dam and Possum Kingdom Lake

Built in response to disastrous Brazos River flooding, Morris Sheppard Dam and Possum Kingdom Reservoir were early attempts at water conservation and flood control in Texas. The U.S. Government funded $4,500,000 of the three-year, $8,500,000 project through the Works Progress Administration, a Depression era recovery agency. Named for U.S. Senator Morris Sheppard and completed in 1941, the dam is 2,740 feet long and 190 feet high. Nine spillway gates allow for the passage of flood waters and drift material. Power generating facilities consist of two 11,250-killowatt units which serve much of the surrounding area. The creation of Possum Kingdom Lake from the impounded waters of Morris Sheppard Dam sent bridges, roads and an entire town underwater. Recovery was initially slow, but quickly picked up after World War II with the establishment of major fishing lodges, camping areas and other recreational facilities. The growth and success of the area is a tribute to the spirit of the surrounding communities which continue to benefit from the project's original purposes of water conservation and supply, and hydroelectric power generation. (1983)

Sheppard, Morris, Dam and Possum Kingdom Lake is a historical marker in Graford, Palo Pinto County, dedicated in 1983. It is one of 45 historical markers documented in Palo Pinto County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 53 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 32.8752, -98.4280 near Graford. The nearest cataloged historic site is Pickwick-McAdams Cemetery (historical marker), about 2.1 miles away. Others within a short drive include Civilian Conservation Corps at Possum Kingdom State Park, Slaughter, George Webb, and Comanche Trail Through Palo Pinto County.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5363003475. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.