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Prior to 1884, Lieutenant Colonel W. E. Cadman's dream was that Lake Tohopekaliga would be dredged and Narcoossee would become a very important port for shipping throughout the world. At that time, the lake came close to Highway 15 (Narcoossee Road - The main road through Narcoossee).

In 1882, Hamilton Disston's dredging of the canal work started on the Southport Canal, between Lake Toho and Lake Cypress. When the dredging of that canal was completed, attention was turned to the canal connecting Lake Toho to East Lake Tohopekaliga (East Lake Toho). That cut was finished in 1884.

East Lake's water level dropped 3 to 5 feet in one month when the dams holding the water between Lake Toho and East Lake were cut in 1884. The dropped lake levels made steamboat passage more difficult. East Lake Toho would never be the major shipping port dreamed of. Hamilton Disston bought the reclaimed land.

In 1885, a steamer, "The Colonist" was built for shipping and transportation by the local people. It was used between Narcoossee and Kissimmee until the Sugar Belt Railroad was extended from Kissimmee.

As railroad tracks spread further, travel across land became faster and more efficient for people and goods. In 1910 the Corps of Engineers dropped the water table 27.5 feet and many towns sprang up in Osceola County.

Places to Visit

East Lake Toho is popular for boating, fishing and skiing.

• Chisholm Park has pavillions, rest rooms, telephones, grills, playground, ball fields, volleyball area, boat ramp and a beach area. It has approx. 2 miles hiking and horse trails along the lake that are open to the public. The park is located about 3 miles south of Narcoossee turn right on Chisholm Park Road, next to the Brass Rail. (Osceola County Parks and Recreation 407 892-2397)
• The Lake Front at St Cloud is along the southern shore of the lake. (St Cloud Parks and Recreation 407 957-7243) From Narcoossee head south on Narcoossee Road turn right at the traffic light on Rummell Road. When you get to the stop sign, turn right and you will be on Lakeshore Blvd. There are picnic tables, playground, beach area, bike/walking paths and boat launching area. Crabby Bill's Seafood Restaurant (407 979-4001 www.crabbybills.com) on the lake front has an extensive menu featuring fresh seafood and much more.
• East Lake Fish Camp is a complete RV and fishing resort complex with a full service restaurant (407 348-2040) and Air boat rides. From Narcoossee, head north to Boggy Creek Road. Turn left, drive about 8 miles. The East Lake Fish Camp will be on the left.

Chisholm Park is a good place to launch your water craft. The following general directions may help you to find the following sites by boat.

• Chisholm Park - You are on the east side of the lake
• East Lake Fish Camp - Head northwest across the lake.
• St Cloud Lakefront - Head south toward the water tank to the left

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