Game Cock Island
Description: Walter Johnston's family enjoyed the land now called Game Cock Island long before "island" described it at all. This 7 8/10-acre piece of land in Cross Lake was part of the Johnston family property that stood above the water when Cross lake was formed in 1926 by damming up the outlet of Cross Bayou. The property belonged to his father, uncle, and grandfather before him, maybe even further back into family history. Once known as Goat Island, the family officially changed the name to Game Cock Island in 1981 to reflect the interesting history of the property. Long ago in the days of prohibition and before Cross Lake, this land was "backwoods," accessed by foot or vehicle. It was a hidden area with a bar, also used as a place to gamble and fight roosters, thus the name "Game Cock Island." Now, of course, as an island in Cross Lake, the property serves a very different purpose. It is a wonderful respite from the nearby bustle of Shreveport. Fully functional, the property has electrical power for 8-12 homes, a septic system, a water well, and cell phone reception. The current home on the island was built in 1985 to replace the prior 1963 home. In 1981 Mr. Johnston took on the industrious tasks of building a new island home and of supplying the island with electricity. After much research, he purchased one mile of Kevlon, armor-coated cable, which electricians, he, and family members spooled, floated, and buried under the lake and island to provide electrical power to Game Cock. Mr. Johnston remembers enjoying the property as a child and has many fond memories with his children and family on the island, some of the favorites involving catfishing. Now that his children are grown and moved away, it is time for another family to enjoy Game Cock Island. The unique property is one of only two inhabited islands in Cross Lake. Living the island lifestyle right here in Shreveport-Bossier can be your own reality! Information from Walter Johnston and Cross Lake Regulations handout, 2006-2007 Virtual Tour       |
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