Museum Guide News

Spindletop Boomtown Museum takes visitors back in time to experience what life was like on the hill for the workers, the deal makers, and families who called this area home during the early 20th century boom days.

On January 10, 1901 on Spindletop Hill outside of Beaumont, Texas, the Lucas Gusher roared to life. This spectacle ushered in the petroleum age, changing the course of United States history.

In the beginning of the 20th century, the Southeast Texas economy, like that of most of the South, relied on subsistence agriculture, but cattle ranching and the lumber business were also important. Large ranches sent cattle to New Orleans, and mills in Beaumont and Orange produced lumber for shipment to the rest of America and overseas. Southeast Texas had another resource – oil – but the amount underground remained a mystery.

To the north, settlers near Nacogdoches used seeping oil for lubricants before 1800. In 1847, the settlers at Sour Lake noticed that oil was bubbling to the surface, and after the Civil War Dick Dowling tried unsuccessfully to drill a well near there. There were numerous discoveries in east and central Texas in the later years, especially at Corsicana in 1896. Wildcatters drilled at Spindletop in 1893 and 1896 and at Sour Lake in 1896. However, there was no significant oil production along the Gulf Coast until the gusher at Spindletop in 1901. Total Texas oil production was 836,000 barrels in 1900, a small fraction of national production (63 million barrels).

This was the start of the rich history and the oil boom and industry in South East Texas. The Spindletop Boomtown Museum explores all facets and more! Come visit us in Beaumont, TX and explore this amazing exploration and industry!  409-880-1750. Hours: Tuesday - Saturday: 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 1:00 pm - 5:00 p.m. (closed Mondays and major holidays)

 https://www.lamar.edu/spindletop-boomtown-museum/spindletop-history/index.html