Fairfield Lake

A pretty sunset on Fairfield Lake

A pretty sunset on Fairfield Lake

Photo by Anna, Flickr, CC2
Product photo
Promotion: Nearby Map of Freestone County

Fairfield Lake is on Big Brown Creek about eight miles northeast of Fairfield in northeastern Freestone County. In 1967 Texas Power and Light Company, Texas Electric Service Company, and Dallas Power and Light Company announced the construction of a new power plant and an adjacent cooling lake. Industrial Generating Company, a subsidiary of Texas Utilities Company, acted as operating agent for the project. Land acquisition of 5,876 acres and dam construction began in 1968. The contractor, Spencer Construction Company, built a 4,350-foot earthfill dam with a height of 77 feet and top width of 25 feet. Impoundment of the approximately 2,500-acre lake began in December 1969. Tentatively named Big Brown Creek Reservoir, by 1970 the lake was officially named Fairfield Lake. In addition to its industrial use for Big Brown Steam Electric Plant, the lake provides recreational use for area residents and tourists. Fairfield Lake State Park is located on its southern and southwestern shores. As a cooling reservoir for the power plant, Fairfield Lake maintains a much warmer than average temperature, sometimes as warm as 107 degrees in mid-summer. The heated water facilitates redfish, hybrid stripers, and Florida largemouth bass. Swimmers also take advantage of the water's therapeutic benefits.

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Laurie E. Jasinski | © TSHA

Handbook of Texas Logo

Adapted from the official Handbook of Texas, a state encyclopedia developed by Texas State Historical Association (TSHA). It is an authoritative source of trusted historical records.

Belongs to

Fairfield Lake is part of or belongs to the following places:

Lake Measurements

  • Surface Area (in acres): 2,159
  • Storage Capacity (in acre-feet): 44,169

Lake Maintained or Owned by

TXU Electric Co.

Date of Origin

1970 (54 years ago)

Currently Exists

Yes

Place type

Fairfield Lake is classified as a Lake

Purpose

  • Industry