The towns surrounding (and under) Lake Texoma are rich in history. Outlaw gangs of the Old West are rumored to have left behind more than their memories.
Historic Hidden Treasure
Grab a metal detector and head for Leonard, TX to hunt for Robert Lee’s buried gold. Lee Cemetery holds the remains of a Confederate leader, Robert “Bob” Lee, shot near Lee Station in 1869. His grave has been exhumed several times by disappointed treasure seekers believing Lee was buried with his gold. According to the old-timers, Lee hid a large amount of gold on what was the Lee farm located near the cemetery.
Jessie James spent part of his honeymoon in Sherman, TX. It is said he refused to rob banks in the area due to his fondness of a chili parlor in McKinney. Members of the James gang were not so fond of people. Jim Anderson, a member of James’ gang, was murdered on the Grayson County courthouse lawn by George Shepard in 1870; revenge for the murder of his nephew, Ike Flannery, whom the James gang murdered for his inheritance.James may have stashed Mr. Flannery’s inheritance in Sherman. Who knows?
Gold found in the Carpenter’s Bluff area is thought to be hidden there by the James gang.
Diving
Treasure hunters dive the depths of Texoma to find the fishing tackle, classic hubcaps, jewelry, and guns. Favorite spots to hunt are near bridges.
Bank robbers, Bonnie Parker, and Clyde Barrow are known to have frequented chicken fights in the old town of Woodville, Oklahoma now covered by the lake. Other towns flooded by the lake are Preston, Hagerman and Cedar Mills.
Preston Point is the location of one of the very first trading posts in North Texas. The proprietor was said to have altercations with the army for selling whiskey to the Indians.
What historical artifacts you will find around the lake? Leave a comment to tell us about the treasure you uncover at Texoma.