Cistern is an unincorporated community in southwestern Fayette County, Texas, United States.

Stark S. Cockrill, who came from Missouri in 1852, was the first settler at the hill where he built a general merchandise store.

In 1900, Cistern had 150 residents and a general merchandise store, a drugstore and saloon, a blacksmith shop with a gin, and a doctor.

Some oilfields were discovered in the 1950s and 1960s, and a number of wells were drilled, although most were eventually plugged, with the land turned back into pasture.

The community is focused on Catholic and Lutheran churches, the Harmony Club, fraternal organizations, and the local school.