Onalaska, Texas

Onalaska is a city in Polk County, Texas, United States. Situated on a peninsula between the main channel and one arm of Lake Livingston, the population was 3,020 at the 2020 census. First settled in the 1840s, Onalaska became a prominent company town in the early 20th century as the site of the Carlisle Lumber Company’s East Texas operations. After the sawmill closed in 1925, the town declined until the construction of Lake Livingston in the late 1960s spurred new growth through tourism, retirement development, and real estate. Today, Onalaska is known for its recreational access to Lake Livingston and its historic roots as a planned industrial settlement.

History

Early settlement

The area that would become Onalaska was first settled in 1840, primarily as a small farming community in what is now Polk County. The region remained sparsely populated and agriculturally focused until the early 20th century.

Company-town era (1904–1928)

In 1904, the Carlisle Lumber Company shifted its operations to a peninsula on the Trinity River and platted the townsite of Onalaska, naming it after earlier mill towns the firm had built in Wisconsin and Arkansas. The company sent mill superintendent Lawrence O’Farrell Jackson to oversee construction of the mill and community, backed by an initial $1.5 million in capital.

Housing and community layout

Carlisle financed a fully planned company town laid out on a strict grid. Streets running north–south were named after trees (e.g., Walnut, Maple, Oak), while avenues ran east–west and bore Texas town names such as Beaumont, Mineola, and Austin. A few exceptions included Commercial Street, the town's main commercial thoroughfare, and Division Street, which demarcated the segregated residential areas.

The community was divided into three racially segregated residential areas in accordance with early 20th-century Jim Crow laws:
* **Main Street** and surrounding blocks held approximately 35 white-owned houses. Homes were built in three sizes based on family needs and were constructed of termite-resistant virgin timber. Each had piped water from one of five artesian wells, screened windows and doors, and electricity. Rent was $5/month and included utilities.
* **Rose Hill**, west of Division Street, consisted of about 40 houses for Black residents. A two-room school served as both a church and schoolhouse, alternating Methodist and Baptist services.
* **The Red Quarters**, four blocks east of Main, housed Mexican laborers. These houses were painted red, and the children attended school with white and Italian children, as there was no Catholic Church in Onalaska.

Industry and infrastructure

The first sawmill was located near a 10-acre log pond and employed local men along with 30 workers brought from Carlisle’s Arkansas operation. A larger facility followed in 1907, equipped with nine boilers, double hand saws, and a dry kiln with eight rooms. The planing mill had 12 specialized machines. Electricity was provided by two 150-kilowatt generators. Onalaska also hosted a hardwood mill on the south side of Commercial Street.

In 1905, the company received a charter for the Beaumont and Great Northern Railroad, which connected Onalaska to Livingston and the regional rail network. By 1906, 49 miles of track were complete. Local nicknames for the line included “Won’t Be Back Until Saturday” and “Wobble-Bobble-Turnover and Stop.”

Company facilities

The company operated an extensive ten-department commissary that offered dry goods, groceries, clothing, furniture, hardware, cosmetics, and even coffins. The second floor contained a dentist’s office and the local Masonic Lodge. A rail spur directly supplied its 12 meat coolers with beef from Kansas City. Ice was produced by a 20-ton ice plant and sold for ten cents per 50 pounds.

Other facilities included:
* a brick-built hospital with an operating room and six-bed ward;
* a two-chair barbershop, bathhouse, and laundry;
* the **Onalaska Exchange Bank**, which issued payroll biweekly;
* two boarding hotels—the 25-room Fremont Hotel and 15-room Hunter House;
* a small-town movie theater, operated by W. P. Christman;
* steam heating piped to major buildings from a central plant.

Religion, education, and culture

Churches were built on company-donated land and alternated between Baptist and Methodist congregations. The original Baptist church was erected in 1906. A two-room school served white, Mexican, and Italian children. Black children attended a separate school in Rose Hill.

Civic life included fraternal organizations such as the Masonic Order, Order of the Eastern Star, and Knights of Pythias. Woodmen of the World, a mutual aid society, also operated locally. Large public gatherings took place in the town park, including religious revivals, holiday barbecues (e.g., Juneteenth and July 4th), and traveling carnivals.

Ownership transfer and decline

In 1910, William Carlisle sold the Onalaska operation to Houston lumber magnate James M. West Sr. for $4 million, though Jackson remained as general manager. A fire destroyed the mill in 1915; it was rebuilt and continued operation until the regional timber supply was depleted.

The mill permanently closed on December 31, 1925. That evening, the familiar 6 p.m. steam whistle blew for hours as the engines vented their final pressure. Power ceased, and much of the town was depopulated by morning, marking the end of Onalaska’s era as an East Texas mill town.

Decline and recovery

Following the mill’s closure, Onalaska's economy stagnated. By 1948, the population had declined to approximately 80 residents. A second period of growth began with the construction of Lake Livingston in 1968, which boosted tourism, real estate, and the local economy.

Modern era

Public amenities expanded after 2010. Onalaska City Park, an 8-acre green space on FM 356, opened in 2015. That same year, the Garland family donated the 6,400-square-foot Garland Pavilion, which now serves as a venue for markets, ceremonies, and city events.

Onalaska hosts several annual events, including a Fourth of July fireworks show, the Easter Parade & Egg Hunt, Christmas In Our Town, and the Onalaska Volunteer Fire Department Barbecue & Auction.

In 2023, the city received a $679,000 Community Development Block Grant for street improvements. In 2024, it applied for further funding through the 2025–2026 Texas Community Development Fund.

Historical cemeteries

Onalaska is home to several historical cemeteries that reflect the city’s early settlement patterns, ethnic diversity, and segregation-era social structure.

Magnolia Cemetery, located southeast of the city, is one of the oldest burial grounds in the area and served settlers from the surrounding rural communities, including the Tintop and Beulah areas. In addition to its role as a cemetery, it was also the original site of the Magnolia School, a one-room structure used for both education and Freewill Baptist church services starting in 1914. Magnolia Cemetery remained the main burial site for white residents and some community members from neighboring farming settlements.

Rose Hill Cemetery was established during Onalaska’s sawmill boom (1904–1928) to serve the city’s African-American population. Located west of Division Street and adjacent to the segregated Black residential quarter, the cemetery is closely tied to the Carlisle Lumber Company’s workforce. It remains in use today and hosts periodic homecoming services.

Modica-Skalicky Cemetery sits at the corner of U.S. Highway 190 and FM 356. It was established in the early 20th century by Italian and Czech immigrant families—particularly the Modica, Skalicky, and Renda families—who had migrated to Onalaska to work in the lumber industry. Oral histories indicate these immigrants were denied burial in Magnolia Cemetery, leading them to purchase land for their own interments. In 1983, at the request of descendant Rosalie Sardisco, the cemetery was officially registered with Polk County as a permanent burial ground.

Government

Onalaska operates under a General Law Type A municipal government, featuring a mayor–council system. The governing body comprises a mayor and five council members, all elected at-large by the city's voters. Council members serve staggered two-year terms, with elections held annually to ensure continuity in governance. The mayor presides over council meetings and is recognized as the ceremonial head of the city.

As of May 2025, the city's elected officials are:
* Mayor: James W. Arnett (term expires 2026)
* Mayor Pro Tem: Shirley Gilmore (2025)
* Council Members:
* Zachary Davies (2025)
* T.D. Jennings (2025)
* Kevin Arnett (2026)
* Kathy Black Lott (2026)

The city council appoints a City Administrator, who oversees daily operations and implements policies set by the council. The current City Administrator is Angela Stutts, CPM, TRMC.

Regular city council meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 5:00 p.m. at Onalaska City Hall. These meetings are open to the public, encouraging community involvement in local governance.

Municipal Court

The Onalaska Municipal Court handles Class C misdemeanors, traffic violations, and city ordinance infractions. The Municipal Court Judge is appointed by the city council for a two-year term. As of 2025, the presiding judge is David Glenn Johnson.

Public Safety

The Onalaska Police Department is responsible for law enforcement within the city. The department is led by Chief Byron Dunaway and operates out of the Public Safety Building located at 372 FM 356 South.

Fire protection and emergency medical services are provided by the Onalaska Volunteer Fire Department, headquartered at 181 Old Groveton Road South. The department responds to a variety of emergencies, including structure fires, medical incidents, and water rescues on Lake Livingston. The current Fire Chief is J.C. Stutts.

Education

Onalaska is served by the Onalaska Independent School District (Onalaska ISD), which operates two campuses:

* Onalaska Elementary School – serving grades Pre-K through 6.
* Onalaska Junior/Senior High School – serving grades 7 through 12.

As of the 2023–2024 academic year, Onalaska ISD enrolls approximately 1,242 students. The district reports a four-year graduation rate of 96.6%, exceeding the statewide average of 90.3%. The average teacher experience is 12.6 years, slightly above the state average.

In January 2023, the Onalaska ISD Board of Trustees approved a transition to a four-day school week, effective for the 2023–2024 school year.

The district offers various academic and support programs, including special education, gifted and talented education, and bilingual/ESL services. Approximately 15.4% of students receive special education support, 6.6% are enrolled in gifted and talented programs, and 2.4% participate in bilingual/ESL services.

The Onalaska ISD administrative offices are located at 134 North FM 356, Onalaska, TX 77360.

Utilities

Residents and businesses in Onalaska are served by a combination of public and private utility providers.

Water and sewer services are primarily provided by the and the Polk County Fresh Water Supply District. Some neighborhoods maintain their own water systems. While most homes within city limits are connected to central sewer systems, properties located outside the city may use private septic systems.

Electricity is supplied by the Sam Houston Electric Cooperative, the exclusive electrical provider for the area.

Solid waste collection within the city limits is contracted to Pro Star Waste. The company began servicing Onalaska under a new municipal contract effective May 1, 2025.

Internet and telecommunications are provided by multiple carriers:
* Eastex Telephone Cooperative offers fiber internet, legacy DSL service, and landline telephone service.
* Optimum, formerly Suddenlink, provides cable television, cable internet, and digital phone services.

Satellite internet and TV services are also technically available in the region, though many residents rely on ground-based providers due to greater reliability and speed.

Economy

Onalaska's economy is closely tied to its location on Lake Livingston, one of the largest reservoirs in Texas. Tourism plays a significant role, with visitors drawn to the area's recreational opportunities, including boating, fishing, and camping. The city hosts several accommodations such as RV parks, fishing camps, and rustic camping sites to cater to tourists.

The real estate market in Onalaska benefits from its appeal as a retirement and vacation destination. Many homebuyers are attracted to the area for permanent residences, second homes, or vacation properties. The availability of waterfront properties and proximity to Lake Livingston contribute to the demand in the housing market. As of April 2025, the median home sold price in Onalaska was $251,780, with a median price per square foot of $157.

Local businesses, including restaurants, retail stores, and service providers, support both the resident population and visitors. The city's strategic location and natural attractions have fostered a growing business community that caters to the needs of a diverse clientele.

Economic development efforts in the broader Polk County region, which includes Onalaska, focus on leveraging available land, a low cost of living, and a rural lifestyle to attract new business opportunities. The county's proximity to major transportation routes enhances its appeal for potential investors and entrepreneurs.

Geography

Onalaska is located in western Polk County, Texas, approximately 90 miles north of Houston, along Farm to Market Road 356. The city is situated on a peninsula extending into Lake Livingston, one of the largest reservoirs in the state, which significantly influences the local geography and economy.

According to the United States Census Bureau, Onalaska encompasses a total area of 5.35 square miles (13.85 km²), of which 5.33 square miles (13.79 km²) is land and 0.02 square miles (0.05 km²) is water.

Topography and Elevation

The city's terrain is characterized by gently rolling hills and piney woods typical of the East Texas Timberlands region. Elevations within Onalaska range from approximately 128 feet (39 meters) to 253 feet (77 meters) above sea level, with an average elevation around 161 feet (49 meters).

Lake Livingston

Lake Livingston, constructed between 1966 and 1969, is a significant geographical feature adjacent to Onalaska. The reservoir covers approximately 83,000 acres (336 km²) and has a normal pool elevation of 131 feet (40 meters) above mean sea level. It boasts over 450 miles (724 km) of shoreline and serves as a primary water source for the city of Houston and surrounding areas.

Surrounding Features

Onalaska is part of the East Texas Timberlands, a region known for its dense forests and rich biodiversity. The area's natural landscape includes a mix of hardwood and pine forests, contributing to the local timber industry and offering recreational opportunities such as hiking, bird watching, and fishing.

Climate

Onalaska experiences a humid subtropical climate, characterized by hot, humid summers and mild winters. Rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, supporting diverse local vegetation.

Temperature

Summers are typically hot and humid. July is the warmest month, with average highs around and lows near . The warm season lasts from late May to mid-September, during which daily highs often exceed .

Winters are generally mild. January is the coldest month, with average highs of and lows around . Freezing temperatures are uncommon but can occur during cold fronts.

Precipitation

Onalaska receives about of precipitation annually, higher than the national average. May is typically the wettest month, averaging , while July tends to be the driest, with about .

Humidity and Sunshine

Humidity levels are high, especially in summer months like July and August, when dew points often exceed . Onalaska averages around 208 sunny days per year, providing ample sunshine.

Severe Weather

The region is prone to severe weather, including thunderstorms, tornadoes, and tropical storms. On April 22, 2020, an EF3 tornado struck Onalaska, killing three people and injuring 33 others.

On July 8, 2024, the city was impacted by Hurricane Beryl, which caused widespread power outages and prompted a local disaster declaration.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States census, there were 3,020 people, 1,232 households, and 809 families residing in the city.

Natural Disasters

On May 1, 1967, Onalaska was struck by an F2 tornado that unroofed a combined store and post office and injured two people.

A more destructive EF3 tornado impacted the city on April 22, 2020, damaging dozens of homes and businesses. The tornado killed three residents and injured 33 others.

On July 8, 2024, Onalaska was affected by Hurricane Beryl, which made landfall near Matagorda, Texas, as a Category 1 hurricane. The storm brought heavy rainfall, strong winds, and widespread power outages across southeastern Texas. In response, the City of Onalaska issued a disaster declaration.

See also

* Lake Livingston
* Polk County, Texas
* Trinity River (Texas)

Notes

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References

External links

Official website

Cities in Texas
Cities in Polk County, Texas
Populated places established in 1840
1840 establishments in the Republic of Texas