GOOD PAST, EVEN BETTER PRESENT
Off to a good start by the late 1800s, Shepherd took advantage of an economy driven by the local timber and farming industries to build a railroad depot and post office and upgrade services to community members. But it wasn’t until the late 1960’s that Shepherd really thrived, courtesy of the construction of nearby Lake Livingston. Built across the Trinity River, the earthen Livingston Dam holds back over one million acre feet of water, creating a reservoir nine miles wide and over thirty miles long. The reservoir, designed for water storage as well as recreation, provided an ideal business environment for growth and one that Shepherd has embraced, joining up with the San Jacinto County Tourism Council to help promote the region. Participating events include the Trash n’ Treasure Trek Across San Jacinto County, annual Fourth of July celebrations, and the Kelly Miller Circus.