Karnack, Texas

Karnack is a rural unincorporated community in northeastern Harrison County near Caddo Lake in the eastern region of the U.S. state of Texas.

Andrews-Taylor House in Karnack, the childhood home of Lady Bird Johnson

The town is named after Karnak,[1] Egypt (near modern-day Luxor). It was thought that the community's alignment with the city of Port Caddo was relative to that of Karnak and Thebes.

Former First Lady of the United States Lady Bird Johnson was born and raised in Karnack.[2]

Former NFL player (1971-1973) Lee Edward Thomas who played for the San Diego Chargers and Cincinnati Bengals was born in Karnack.

The Caddo Lake National Wildlife Refuge, formerly the Longhorn Army Ammunition Plant, is located in Karnack.

Geography

Karnack is located in the pine woods of Northeast Texas and beside Caddo Lake, one of the largest natural lakes in the Southeast. The surrounding country is mostly farm and timber land. According to The Handbook of Texas, Caddo Lake was one of the largest natural lakes in Texas before the construction of Caddo Dam in 1900 made the lake even larger. It is often called Texas' only natural lake, but many small natural lakes and oxbow lakes are found in Texas.

Climate

The climate in this area is characterized by hot, humid summers and generally mild to cool winters. According to the Köppen Climate Classification system, Karnack has a humid subtropical climate, abbreviated "Cfa" on climate maps.[3]

Economy

Karnack has many small family-owned businesses such as Fyffe’s Corner Grocery next to the Caddo Lake State Park Entrance, Fyffe’s Bed and Breakfast, 4J Ranch, Circle S Grocery, Mystique Tours and The Run In. Big Pines Lodge burned down in a construction fire in 2009; reconstruction of the lodge and its restaurant began late in 2010, and it has since reopened.[4]

Education

Karnack is served by the Karnack Independent School District. Karnack Elementary School and Karnack Junior/Senior High School serve the community.

References
  1. Caro, Robert A. (1982). The Path to Power. The Years of Lyndon Johnson. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. p. 295. ISBN 0394499735.
  2. Caro 1982, p. 294 et seq.
  3. Climate Summary for Karnack, Texas
  4. Richardson, Terri (October 3, 2010). "Big Pines Lodge is rebuilding". Longview News-Journal. Longview, Texas. Retrieved 2013-02-05.

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