Bridgeport Lake is located on the West Fork of the Trinity River with its bank touching Jack and Wise Counties. Visitors travel off of US Highway 380 to enjoy the 11,954-acre lake. The maximum depth is approximately 85 feet. The lake was created in 1932 and renovated in 1972 with a new spillway.
Wheels-up travelers can even access Bridgeport with the Bridgeport Municipal Airport. The runway is 5,005 feet by 75 feet and Jet A fuel is available onsite. A courtesy car is even available for use. Learn more about the Bridgeport Municipal Airport on their website or visit the Airnav site.
What once started as a transit point for an overland mail service is now a growing city with endless potential. According to the Bridgeport, TX Historical Society, the origins of the city can be traced back to a stagecoach route that passed through the city.
The route provided mail services between St. Louis, Missouri and San Francisco, California, but in order to successfully make the journey travelers needed to cross over the West Fork of the Trinity River. The building of a bridge was deemed necessary, and the foundations of the city of Bridgeport were built.
Various bridges have been constructed in the area since 1860, thus giving the small community its name Bridgeport. The bridges not only provided access for suppliers to transport their goods it was also a landmark.
As more and more people settled the area for its fertile soil, trees, waterways and wildlife, the new community was established around the bridge. In 1860, coal was discovered in the area and for almost half a century the coalmines provided economic resources for the city. A shift in oil and natural gas led to the mines shutting in 1929 with some continuing limited production until the early 1940’s.
The city adapted and the Rock Island Railway laid tracks two miles from the town center making it now a retail center for many farmers. The city was incorporated in 1913 expanding its infrastructure to the community it is today. Its early population of 1,872 has since grown to over 6,500 citizens.
For more information about the history of Bridgeport visit the Bridgeport, TX Historical Society. Learn more about the city of Bridgeport on the cityofbridgeport.net.
If you are looking for a piece of paradise in the middle of Texas, the city of Runaway Bay is what you are looking for. The city is built around an 18-hole golf course exuding its spirit of relaxation. The main water tower for Runaway Bay even resembles a golf ball on a tee.
The estimated population is 1,500 and is served by the Bridgeport Independent School District. The community is a great place to raise a family or to have as a home away from home. Especially, if you are looking for a place to unwind and escape.
Established in 1969, the Club at Runaway Bay is a main feature of the community. It is an 18-hole golf course and club house designed by Leon Howard. The course is 7,032 yards in length with a 72 par. The course’s overall rating is 73.1 and it was even featured in the 2008-2009 edition of “Golf Digest” as one of the best places to play.
Learn more at runawaybaytexas.com.
Photos from Bridgeport Historical Society, City of Bridgeport, City of Runaway Bay and Lake Bridgeport.