927 Park Rd 42
Atlanta TX 75551
903/796-6476
History: Atlanta State Park is 1475 acres on Lake Wright Patman Dam in Cass
County, a few miles southwest of Texarkana. Texas acquired the land in 1954 by
Department of the Army License which expires in 2004 with option to renew to
2054.
Caddo Indians, the most culturally advanced tribe in Texas, once made this area
their home. The Caddos settled the area peacefully as farmers, unlike their
nomadic and warlike brother, the Apaches and Comanches. Excavations conducted by
the Smithsonian Institute produced many graves and artifacts, and archaeologists
found evidence of a house pattern with post molds still intact.
Activities: The park offers swimming in a designated sandy beach area (no
lifeguard on duty) on Wright Patman Lake, a nature trail and a hiking trail of
five miles, water skiing, boating (canoe rentals are available at the park), and
fishing. Wright Patman Lake is also a popular fishing spot. The reservoir covers
20,300 acres and has an average depth of 7.6 feet. There are 170 miles of
shoreline. On shore, the activities include walking, nature study, hiking,
camping, picnicking, or jogging along roads, trails or shorelines. Bicycling is
popular along the hilly park and area roads.
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