The story of America’s first, great oil discovery at Spindletop http://www.spindletop.org/ near Beaumont, Texas on January 10, 1901, is an epic story of big dreams, calculated risks, huge failures and hard-fought success. The legacy of Spindletop continues to inspire new generations and impact lives.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the Southeast Texas economy, like that of most of the South, relied on agriculture, cattle ranching and the lumber business. But the region had another hidden resource - oil – which would change Texas history forever.
The loud “boom” Beaumont, Texas heard 111 years ago this week ushered in the nation’s first great oil boom. The famous Lucas Gusher blew in at Spindletop just outside Beaumont on Jan. 10, 1901, and oil flowed for nine days before the well could be capped.
Spindletop put Beaumont on the map as nearly 50,000 “boomers” arrived in the Texas city within months. The first year Spindletop produced 3.59 million barrels, and the second year it produced 17.4 million. The glut of oil destroyed John D. Rockefeller and Standard Oil's world monopoly. Oil sold for 25 cents a barrel - on good days.
The 111th anniversary of the Lucas Gusher at Spindletopis being celebrated this Saturday, Jan. 14 at the Spindletop Gladys City/Boomtown Museum from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. This year’s celebration features the impact Spindletop had on transportation in the 20th century, with owners of classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles being honored. The commemoration features museum tours, balloon car races, and the replica Spindletop gusher blowing at its historical time of 10:30 a.m.
Through a self-guided tour, visitors to Gladys City experience 15 replica buildings filled with objects from the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries that depict life during the first Spindletop oil boom. From a saloon and post office to a general store and livery stable, visitors get a glimpse of what it might have been like to work and live in the historic oilfield. Working for the past 35 years to maintain the fifteen buildings, Visitor’s Center and grounds that comprise the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown has also been epic task for both museum staff and Lamar University.
Visitors to Gladys City on the third Thursday of each month (10 a.m. to 9 p.m.) receive free admission. Museum Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday, 1-5 p.m. (last admission at 4:20 p.m.) Closed most Mondays, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Easter. info@gladyscity.org
Admission: Adults $5; Seniors 60+ $3; Children Ages 6-12 $2; Children 5 & younger, free
Information courtesy of Brian Briscoe, Tucker & Associates, Dallas, Texas
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