Town Of Little Elm

The Town of Little Elm was chartered in 1841 as part of the Peters Colony and the Republic of Texas. The area was primarily inhabited by Indian tribes who lived along the several creeks that traversed the region, providing abundant water for springs and associated wildlife for food. As settlers discovered, the area also had a rich timber source, which provided fuel in the harsh winters and fertile soil. Little Elm remained a quiet lakeside community until the growth of the surrounding communities profoundly affected our sleepy town. Little Elm was primarily an agricultural community, with farming and ranching as the primary industries. As growth discovered Little Elm in the late 1990s, residents prepared for the flood of new people learning about our beautiful lake setting that a few locals had enjoyed so much for decades. Little Elm was incorporated in June 1966 and adopted the Council/Manager form of government and its Home Rule Charter in May 2001. It currently has approximately 16 square miles within the corporate limits. A large portion of the original downtown is currently below the waters of Lewisville Lake due to the Corp of Engineers raising the lake level by relocating an impoundment dam, which replaced and covered an earlier lake known as the Garza/Little Elm Reservoir. The town saw significant growth in the early 2000s due to its proximity to Dallas-Fort Worth and the expansion of nearby cities. This growth led to increased residential development and the construction of new schools, parks, and recreational facilities. Today, Little Elm is a thriving community with over 55,000 residents. The town has become known for its beautiful lakeside setting and outdoor recreational opportunities like fishing, boating, and hiking. Little Elm is also home to a vibrant destination district with recreation amenities, unique restaurants, and outstanding special events. Despite its growth and modern amenities, Little Elm has managed to preserve its hometown-town