The History of Lago Vista, Texas
Just 45 minutes northwest of Austin, lies a lake community aptly named Lago Vista (Lake View in Spanish). Located on the north shore of Lake Travis, Lago Vista life is centered around the lake. The town is quaint, the residents are laid back, and the focus is on rest and relaxation. From waking up with the sun to fish and catch the first-morning bite to exhilarating water sports, there is a little something for everyone in Lago Vista.
The Town’s Origins
Residents of Lago Vista can trace their town’s history back to the 1500s when it was initially home to various Native American Indian Tribes, most notably the Apache and Comanche as well as other sovereign nations. In the 1830s Stephen F. Austin aided in the resettlement of 800 families to the North Shore area. Shortly after the Civil War, this area saw another small influx of residents as many families fled here looking for a new life after the war ended. At the time the area was referred to as the “Upper Colonies” since it was just a bit north of Austin.
By the 1930s only a few prominent Central Texas families remained. Generations later, these same families still have relatives who live in Lago Vista today. During the 30s “Lohman’s Bridge” was built to provide an easy passage between the north and south shore of the Colorado River allowing residents and visitors easier access to the area. At times living on the river brought trouble. Mansfield Dam had not yet been created and residents were at the mercy of floods and droughts, both of which wreaked irreparable damage to the area.
Creation of Lake Travis
With the creation of the dam in 1941, Lohman’s Bridge, farmland, homes, and infrastructures around Lake Travis were eventually submerged underwater as the area flooded and Lake Travis was created. The development of the lake segregated the North Shore area, now making it difficult to reach as most roads leading to the area had been destroyed. Despite this, Lake Travis offered new benefits to residents bringing flood control and fresh water to the North Shore and the greater Austin area.
New Developments
Fast forward to the 1960s when a branch of northern home builders took interest in Lago Vista. Looking to build a lake resort, they approached the development of the area with an “if you build it, they will come” mentality. This development advertised Lago Vista offered summer homes, beautiful golf courses, great camping facilities, and water sports on Lake Travis. Many who settled here were World War II veterans and other retirees, looking for a quaint, quiet life on the lake.
During this time, other communities around Lago Vista were also seeing vast economic growth due to the number of roads being built leading towards this area, specifically FM1431 which was upgraded to facilitate modern traffic. Prominent communities such as Spicewood Springs and Hudson Bend began to thrive, as other communities began to dwindle.
By the 1970s Lago Vista had a population of 900 and projected a small-town feel. The town was community-oriented, everyone knew your name and what you were up to. In 1973 a small elementary/middle school was constructed and in 1975 Lago Vista ISD was officially established, schooling grades K – 12 with the first graduating class passing through in 1976.
By the 1980s the Lago Vista community voted to incorporate and bring in a mayor-council form of city government and by 1988 the city reported a population of 2,500 residents.
Lago Vista Today
Today, with a population of just over 32,000 residents, Lago Vista is still the small, tight-knit community it once was, but it now offers modern amenities. People from all walks of life flock to the area to benefit from easy access to Lake Travis, low crime rates, recreation opportunities, and excellent schools.
Life at Lakeside Tessera
For those looking to settle in Lago Vista, Texas Lakeside at Tessera is the perfect place to call home. Contact us today to discover your dream home, and see what our wonderful community has to offer.