Cistern is an unincorporated community in Fayette County, Texas, United States. It was formerly known as Whiteside's Prairie and Cockrill's Hill.[1]
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Cistern was settled in 1852 on a hill above prairie.[1][2] Residents had to build cisterns to get water as the water wells had high mineral concentrations. The post office was open in 1858, by then the community was known as Cistern. In 1900 Cistern had 150 residents and a general merchandise store, a drugstore and saloon, a blacksmith shop with a gin, and a doctor. In 1930 the post office closed. In 1950 Cistern had 150 people, two stores, two garages. In the 1950s and 1960s cotton was no longer a popular crop as oil wells were discovered. Landowners began to ranch and produce chickens. Abandoned oilfields reverted into pasture. In that time period Cistern residents received mail from Flatonia. In the 1980s Cistern had 75 residents and three businesses. In 1990 and 2000 the community had 75 residents.[1]
Cistern had Anglo-American, Czech American, and German-American residents. The community was focused on Catholic and Lutheran churches, the Harmony Club, fraternal organizations, and the local school.[1]
Cistern is within the Flatonia Independent School District. During points in its history Cistern had its own school. In 1950 Cistern had a consolidated high school with two teachers.[1]