Bluffton, Texas, a town with a rich history, now sits beneath the waters of Lake Buchanan, earning its title as an underwater ghost town. Originally established in 1852 near the Colorado River, Bluffton flourished with a post office, blacksmith shop, cotton gin, hotel, saloons, and more by 1883. However, a devastating fire forced the town to relocate half a mile north before being flooded by the creation of Lake Buchanan in 1938.
The construction of Buchanan Dam, which began in 1931 and was completed in 1938, led to the formation of Lake Buchanan, submerging the town of Bluffton underwater. Despite multiple relocations, including a move five miles west, Bluffton’s isolation increased due to the changing landscape caused by the dam and the lake.
Today, Bluffton remains a mere shadow of its former self, with a post office and store serving its reported population of 75 residents in 2000. The town’s economy may have dwindled, but its historical significance lives on as a reminder of the impact of progress and development in the Texas Hill Country.
The Buchanan Dam, a marvel of engineering owned by the Lower Colorado River Authority, stretches over two miles and stands as the nation’s longest multiple-arch dam. Named after U.S. Rep J.P. Buchanan, the dam played a crucial role in securing funding for its completion, leading to the flooding that formed Lake Buchanan.
Lake Buchanan, the largest of Texas lakes, boasts a conservation capacity of 822,207 acre-feet and spans 31 miles in length and five miles in width. Despite fluctuations in water levels over the years, the lake has remained relatively stable, maintaining its vital role in providing water for various purposes.
In addition to Lake Buchanan, other reservoirs in Texas have submerged towns beneath their waters. Toledo Bend in Hemphill, Falcon Lake in Zapata, and Amistad Reservoir in Val Verde County near Del Rio are among the lakes that have reshaped the landscape and history of Texas through their creation.
As we reflect on the history of Bluffton and other underwater ghost towns in Texas, we are reminded of the delicate balance between progress and preservation. While these towns may no longer be visible above the surface, their stories endure, serving as a testament to the ever-changing nature of our environment and the resilience of those who once called these places home.