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Early Oil Discoveries
They made the first economically significant oil discovery in Texas, however, that well was abandoned because the drillers needed to find water not oil -
Early Oil Discoveries
Several producing oil wells were drilled by Joseph S. Cullinan who later found the Texas Company, Texaco. -
Spindletop
After drilling several dry holes, Louisiana mining engineer and oil prospector Capt. Anthony F. Lucas drilled the discovery well of the Spindletop field. Initially, the Lucas No. 1 produced more than an estimated 75,000 barrels of oil a day. Peak annual production was 17.5 million barrels in 1902. -
Biggest of them all- East Texas
On Aug. 17, 1931, Gov. Ross S. Sterling ordered the National Guard into the East Texas field, which he placed under martial law. This drastic action was taken after the Texas Railroad Commission had been enjoined from enforcing production restrictions. After more than two years of legal battles, most East Texas operators accepted proration, the system of regulation still utilized.