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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