Lake Jackson is named after Abner Jackson, a significant historical figure who owned a plantation in the area.
The Origin of the Name
The name "Lake Jackson" directly honors Abner Jackson, an early planter whose home was situated near the very body of water now known as Lake Jackson. This specific oxbow lake, a U-shaped lake formed when a wide meander of a river is cut off, was given his name due to his prominent presence and land ownership in the vicinity.
His influence was so notable that the vast area encompassing his former plantation, totaling 5,000 acres, became the site for the development of a company town in 1942. This town was established by the Dow Chemical Company to house its workers, further solidifying the Jackson legacy in the region.
Key Naming Factors
The following points summarize the reasons behind the lake's designation:
- Honoring a Planter: The lake was named to recognize Abner Jackson, a planter with substantial landholdings and a residence nearby.
- Historical Land Connection: Jackson's former plantation formed the foundation for the subsequent development of the modern city, linking his name indelibly to the locale.
- Geographic Proximity: His house was literally located at the lake, making the naming a direct reflection of local geography and land ownership.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Named After | Abner Jackson |
| Reason | A planter whose house was located at the lake, and whose former plantation served as the site for subsequent area development. |
| Lake Type | An oxbow lake, a natural formation common in river floodplains. |
| Historical Context | In 1942, a portion of the former Abner Jackson Plantation was developed by the Dow Chemical Company into a company town, further cementing the significance of the Jackson name in the region. |
For more information about the history of the city and lake, you can visit the Lake Jackson, Texas Wikipedia page.
