WELCOME to Tool

Stay Safe Around the Pool and Spa

With a population of 2,175 according to 2020 census, Tool is bisected by State Highway 274 on the western edge of Cedar Creek Lake and has about 14.5 miles of shoreline. Not only does this Henderson County town boast a thriving, historical congregation of churches, this beautiful lake area has residential subdivisions that offer majestic views, ideal fishing atmospheres, relaxing ambiance and breathtaking sunsets.

Tool also offers an exceptional school system, affordable living and proximity to the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. Tool is a bedroom community of well-dispersed citizens in its numerous lakeside subdivisions. Each addition offers its own special views of the lake and quiet country neighborhoods, some with their own boat launches, as well as the public Lone Star Marina. The local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary also is based in Tool and assists boaters on Cedar Creek Lake.

The Tool area was settled by planters during the mid-1850s. Named after George Tool, who owned and cultivated the land in the area from 1860 to 1920, Tool is proud of its Oran White Civic Center, where the city council meets and where many community activities are held.

The business community, driven by the cotton industry, grew to 100 in 1940, but by 1957, had dwindled to just one store – the

Cecil Young Grocery and Gas Station. The construction of Cedar Creek Lake in the 1960s sent the city into the spotlight again and it celebrated its 50th Anniversary in 2019.

The City of Tool, which is led by Mayor Tommy Lawhon, has made many strides in recent years to continue to improve life for its citizens, including completing a comprehensive plan to improve roads and signage. A housing development for senior citizens is under construction, a new park plans a future groundbreaking and improvements to municipal buildings are in the works.

The city strongly supports the Tool Elementary School, part of Malakoff ISD, with volunteers and community involvement. The elementary school was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education in 2016 for its student achievement. The school is home to Miss Fran’s Garden, a cooperative educational facility operated in conjunction with the Cedar Creek Garden Club and named for longtime leader Fran Sonka.

Besides boating and gardening, square dancing is a popular pastime at Promenade Hall on State Highway 274. The dance hall offers events several times a year.