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The Uncertainties of
Uncertain, Texas
In a land that time forgot, Uncertain is a community that lives for the lake, by the lake, in a place full of myth and legend and history - and raw, unrestrained natural beauty... Discover Caddo Lake!
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By Logan Hawkes
Uncertain, Texas - Population 196 -- There are many places in the world that have been described as a 'land that time forgot,' but none, perhaps, as mysteriously wonderful and strange - and a bit spooky - than Caddo Lake in deep East Texas.
Full of myth and legend, the lake region (on the Texas-Louisiana border) is the home to fishermen, birdwatchers, and independents that prefer the quite refuge of the region over the hustle and bustle of the city.
Modern day Uncertain evolved from fishing camps and resort operators around scenic Caddo Lake in Harrison County and first incorporated in 1961.
The town is near Uncertain Landing, so named because steamboat captains on their way to and from Jefferson in earlier days often had troubles mooring their vessels. It was also the site of an old hunting, fishing, and boating society called the Uncertain Club, which existed in the early 1900's. Today, the town relies on the lake's tourism attractions for its livelihood.
A visit to this magical region is time well spent for it one of a few places that isolates you from the modern world - like a step back in time. It has been called the most beautiful lake in America and is the largest natural lake of fresh water in the south, covering about 27,000 acres. Half the lake is in Texas and half in Louisiana, and within 20 miles of southwest Arkansas.
The Caddo Indians were the first settlers on Caddo Lake, but the name was assigned to them by European settlers. The natives were actually part of the Kadohdacho, one of a number of East Texas tribes which formed a loose confederacy. Another of the tribes in the group were the Tajas - or Tejas, who gave their name, which means friendship, to the State of Texas.
For a thousand or more years before Ferdinand Desoto's Moscoso Expedition in 1540, the Caddos farmed the land of East Texas. Archeological say that the confederacy had extensive trade routes and crafted intricate and beautiful pottery. Those trade routes became useful when the Caddos began trading with the French after Robert Cavalier Sieur de la Salle made his expedition west of the Mississippi in the year 1687.
Paddle boat and steamboat traffic through Caddo Lake was in full swing by the 1830s - 1840's and was used for everything from commerce trade to the transportation of people. During the civil war, steamers were used to move both military and civilian supplies to the Confederacy.
As far as myth and legend is concerned, a canoe trip into the many backwaters and inlets of the lake is all you will need to sense the mystery of the region. Perhaps it's the 600 year old moss-covered cypress that grow out of the water, or maybe the sounds that carry oddly - and eerily - across the swampy natural area.
Of course, local legend has it that multiple sightings of a Big Foot creature have been made by residents and visitors to the lake. And more than one Native American legend surrounds the lake, including a creation myth that describes how the lake was formed by earthquake or flood. The second theory seems to be the more probable.
You'll find abundant wildlife in the region, including over 250 bird species. And plenty of places to pitch your tent or hook up your RV. Area public facilities include the beautiful Caddo Lake State Park.
One of the more interesting aspects the lake lies in the names of some of its landmarks, places like Eagle's Nest, Goose Prairie, Old Folks Playground. Kitchen's Creek, Alligator Bayou, Pine Bluff, Devil's Elbow, Hamburger Point, Pig Pen, Hell's Half Acre, and more.
And there may be foundation for the occasional ghost stories that come from the lake region. On Feb. 12, 1869, the Mittie Stephens sank taking 61 of the boat's 101 passengers lives. The steamer was bearing gold and is located at the bottom of Caddo Lake and is yours for the finding.
For more information about Caddo Lake:
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Rio Grande Valley
Official Uncertain Site