Cistern
Cistern is on State Highway 95 twelve miles northwest of Flatonia near the southwestern point of Fayette County. The community, first called Whiteside's Prairie and then Cockrill's Hill in honor of two early landowners, was settled during the 1850s on a hill overlooking fertile prairie land. Water wells in the area contained such high concentrations of minerals that residents were forced to build cisterns to trap rainwater for domestic use. By the time the post office was established in 1858, the community was known as Cistern.
Adapted from the official Handbook of Texas, a state encyclopedia developed by the Texas State Historical Association (TSHA). It is an authoritative source of trusted historical records.
At a Glance
Belongs to
Cistern is part of or belongs to the following places.
Adopt a Town
The Texas Almanac's Land Rush program lets you adopt the town, county, or lake of your choice and share your message with the world. 100% of the proceeds benefit education in Texas.
- Adoption Status: ⭐
- This place has been adopted and will not be available until November 4, 2023
- Adopted by:
- Kevin and Debra DeWitt Jordan
- Dedication Message:
- In honor of the John B. DeWitt family.
Currently Exists
Yes
Place type
Cistern is classified as a Town
Associated Names
- (Cockrell's Hill)
- (Whiteside's Prairie)
Locations
-
- Latitude
- 29.81578300
- Longitude
- -97.21860000
Has Post Office
No
Is Incorporated
No
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Cistern by the Numbers
Population Counts
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| Pop. | Year | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 137 | 2009 | Local Officials |