Sour Lake, C.S.A.
Early-day health resort, with baths that attracted such Texans as Gen. Sam Houston. The healing waters had been used for years by the Indians. One spring's water, with high sulphuric acid content, primed telegraph batteries during the Civil War. This was of vital importance, for at best telegraph service was limited. Started in 1854, the 1861-65 system went only from Shreveport to Marshall to Houston, and Houston to Galveston to Orange. A 20-word telegram sent from Shreveport to Houston in February 1865 cost $36. (1965)
30.1383° N, 94.4119° W
Where to Find It
Alma M. Carpenter Public Library
Nearby Markers
- <0.1 mi S Stephen Jackson Sour Lake
- 0.3 mi NE Jackson Family Cemetery Sour Lake
- 5.6 mi NE Pine Ridge Baptist Church Sour Lake
- 6.5 mi SE Site of World War ll Prisoner of War Camp China
- 7.3 mi SE Opelousas Trail China
- 7.6 mi S Pivoto-Robinson Cemetery Nome