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Discovery of Oil
Spindletop was the first oil well that discoverd oil. They did not cap the well until after nine days and it was called a gusher. -
Oil Fever
Oil fever had spread through Texas and found its way around every part of the Republic. -
The BIg One
Overproduction soon followed, as oil derricks sprouted thick as bamboo all over the field. With no well-spacing regulations and no limits on production, the price of oil nosedived again. -
Law time
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.