Jim Chapman Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Jim Chapman Lake |
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 Jim Chapman Lake
Location in Texas
Jim Chapman Lake
Location in the United States
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| Location | Delta / Hopkins counties, Texas, United States |
| Coordinates | 33°19′25.12″N 95°38′45.39″W / 33.3236444°N 95.6459417°W |
| Type | reservoir |
| Primary inflows | South Sulphur River |
| Basin countries | United States |
| Surface area | 19,305 acres (7,812 ha) |
Jim Chapman Lake is a large lake in Texas, also known as Cooper Lake. It covers about 19,305 acres, which is roughly the size of 14,600 football fields! This lake is managed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers, a group that helps build and manage many water projects in the U.S.
The lake is located about 75 miles (120 km) east of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, a big city area in Texas. It's a popular spot for outdoor activities, especially fishing.
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How Was Jim Chapman Lake Created?
Jim Chapman Lake is actually a type of lake called a reservoir. This means it's a man-made lake, created by building a dam across a river. The dam holds back the river's water, forming a large lake behind it.
This lake was formed in 1991 when the Jim Chapman Dam was built. The dam holds back the South Sulphur River, which is a branch of the larger Sulphur River.
What Is the Lake Used For?
Jim Chapman Lake serves a very important purpose: it provides water supply for many towns and cities in North Texas. This means the water from the lake is cleaned and sent to homes and businesses for drinking, washing, and other uses.
Besides providing water, the lake is also a fantastic place for fun and recreation.
Fishing at Jim Chapman Lake
If you love to fish, Jim Chapman Lake is a great spot! It's known as one of the best fishing lakes in the area. You might catch different kinds of fish here, including:
- Blue and channel catfish
- Florida largemouth bass
- Crappie
- Hybrid striped bass
Cooper Lake State Park
The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department manages a beautiful park right on the shores of Jim Chapman Lake. This park is called Cooper Lake State Park. It's a wonderful place for families and friends to enjoy nature, go camping, have picnics, and explore the outdoors.
Why Was the Lake Renamed?
The lake was originally known as Cooper Lake. However, in 1998, the United States Congress decided to rename it. Congress is the law-making branch of the U U.S. government.
They renamed the lake to honor a person named Jim Chapman. He was a congressman, which means he was an elected official who represented the people of his area in the U.S. House of Representatives. Jim Chapman was from Sulphur Springs, a town near the lake. He was honored for his public service.
Even though the lake's official name changed, the state park on its shores still keeps the original name, Cooper Lake State Park.
