There is a world of history that lies beneath Lake Altus-Lugert in southwestern Oklahoma. An entire town once thrived below what appears to be a seemingly normal lake. The town of Lugert essentially disappeared when a dam was built in the 1940s, and most people have no idea this underwater city in Oklahoma exists. If you catch the lake when the waters are extremely low, you’ll see remnants from this lost city. Let’s take a look:

Founded in 1901, the town of Lugert had a population between 300-400 people.
OETA/Youtube
It was named in honor of a prominent local merchant, the town’s founder, Frank Lugert. Lugert moved to Oklahoma and filed a claim when Indian lands opened up in 1901. He received 80 acres of land at the base of the Wichita Mountains near Red River. He started the town of Lugert and owned the general store, post office and even coined his own money to be used in his store. But tragedy struck in 1912, when a tornado came through town and destroyed 41 out of the 42 buildings. The only structure to remain was Lugert’s General Store.
The town did continue to exist, but on a much smaller scale.
OETA/Youtube
In 1926, Altus passed a bond to build a dam across the North Fork of the Red River for a source of city water, flooding the town of Lugert. The dam, as it stands today, was completed in 1947. Frank Lugert rebuilt his buildings and moved his General Store next to the lake and ran it until a few years before his death in 1958.
But from time to time, when drought strikes southwest Oklahoma, remains of this underwater ghost town can be found.
OETA/Youtube
As the water recedes, the lake begins to look desolate around the edges.

Related Stories

The Breathtaking Scenic Drive Through Oklahoma That Runs Along The Illinois River

The Breathtaking Scenic Drive Through Oklahoma That Runs Along The Illinois River

 The Delicious All-You-Can-Eat Buffet at This Oklahoma Motel Is Actually Worth Visiting

The Delicious All-You-Can-Eat Buffet at This Oklahoma Motel Is Actually Worth Visiting

 Get Away From It All At This Remote And Beautiful Campground In Oklahoma

Get Away From It All At This Remote And Beautiful Campground In Oklahoma
Piles of bricks from Lugert can be seen near the surface of the lake.
OETA/Youtube
These were leftover from the town before the dam was built.
During periods of extreme drought, you can even see entire structures that were left behind.
OETA/Youtube
One such structure is the remains of a cellar from a two-story schoolhouse.
And then, there are sidewalks that lead nowhere.
OETA/Youtube
If you ever visit the lake at low-levels, make sure you take caution while exploring the area. You never know what you'll find from this lost city!
The town of Lugert may be buried, but its history is there, just below the surface -- just waiting to be discovered.
OETA/Youtube
Check out this video below for a more detailed tour of this haunting underwater town in Oklahoma.

Did you know about this underwater city in Oklahoma? Have you visited Lake Altus-Lugert before? Share your experience with us in the comments below! And if you enjoy visiting ghost towns, gas up the car and hit the road on our epic Haunted Road Trip In Oklahoma.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

More to Explore

Underwater City In Oklahoma

Sarah | March 02, 2021

Does Oklahoma have any ghost towns?

In a word: yes! Our state is full of haunted places that would terrify even the bravest of thrill-seekers, including over 2,000 ghost towns. Lenora is one that stands out. Located in Dewey County, this town was once known as the "Pearl of the Prairies." The town got its first post office in 1896 and was a very prosperous trade and cultural center. Now, it sits abandoned and desolate, with Oklahoma tumbleweeds its only visitors -- and perhaps some spirits, too. And Skedee is another Oklahoma ghost town that's high in the creepiness quotient; located in Pawnee County, Skedee is a ghost town in rural Oklahoma that most people have long forgotten. It was once an oil boomtown where millions of dollars flowed through it, but it now sits abandoned with pieces of history still scattered around town.

What are some other unique lakes in Oklahoma?

You may not realize it, but Oklahoma is home to an abundance of beautiful lakes in the state. We're talking pristine, clear-blue bodies of water. Lake Murray is one of the most beautiful, and also most unique. It's located in Oklahoma’s first and largest state park and is known for its iconic centerpiece Tucker Tower - a monument and nature center in the state park. This tower looks like a castle, and stands regally over the lake, which totally feels like an enchanted kingdom in Europe!

What are some fun facts about Oklahoma history?

The Sooner State is full of unique historical factoids; for instance, very few "Okies" were actually from Oklahoma when the term was coined. When families migrated to California during the 1930s, they were all called "Okies." ("Okie” was a blanket term used to describe all agricultural migrants, no matter their home states.) Another fun fact: the first Boy Scout Troop in the U.S. started in Oklahoma in 1909. And most notably: women in Oklahoma voted for one year prior to the passing of 19th amendment which gave women voters across the country the right to vote!

Related Articles

Featured Addresses
Lake Altus-Lugert, Oklahoma 73655, USA