1950s: Growth during decade-long drought

JULY 12, 2024

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LCRA completed Wirtz Dam in 1951. The dam was named for Alvin J. Wirtz who was instrumental in LCRA’s creation and served as its first general counsel.

LCRA completed the Highland Lakes chain in 1951, finishing construction of Wirtz and Starcke dams that create lakes LBJ and Marble Falls. With the addition of the dams, LCRA increased its potential electricity generating capacity to nearly 300 MW.

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LCRA built Starcke Dam, shown here, in tandem with Wirtz Dam to increase its hydroelectric generating capacity. The dam was originally called Marble Falls Dam, but LCRA renamed it in honor of retired General Manager Max Starcke in 1962.

Powering up wholesale service
During the 1950s, LCRA experienced significant growth in its power generation and transmission operations. In 1959, LCRA calculated that its electric demand had increased 188 times from 1940 to 1958, to more than 711 kWh, enough to power more than 300,000 homes, businesses and industries. LCRA’s electric service area had expanded to more than 40 Central Texas counties.

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LCRA transmission workers in 1950.
The increase was driven by campaigns that urged Texans in LCRA’s service area to “Live Better by Living Electrically.” LCRA sold more than 1 billion kWh for the first time in 1957, as Central Texans began using more electric appliances.
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LCRA opened six floodgates at Mansfield Dam in 1957, still a record today.

Here are more highlights from the decade:

  • LCRA honored Alvin Wirtz, who was instrumental in creating LCRA and guiding it through its early years, by renaming the Granite Shoals Dam after him following his death. In 1952, a dedication ceremony at the dam included a tribute to Wirtz from LCRA supporter and future U.S. President Lyndon B. Johnson.
  • Lakes Travis and Buchanan dropped to their lowest elevation in recorded history during a decade-long drought.
  • In 1957, the drought broke when floods pushed Lake Travis well above full elevation, forcing LCRA to open floodgates at Mansfield Dam for the first time as part of flood management operations. Six floodgates were opened, still a record total for Mansfield Dam.