The Black Gold Boomtown.
In early January 1901, "The Lucas Gusher" on Spindletop Hill, just south of Beaumont, TX, changed the economy of Texas for a century and more. For better or worse, it helped to usher in the petroleum age. During 9 days it spewed forth more oil than that produced in the entire state during the previous year. A boomtown was born, almost literally overnight.
Above is a detail from a 1973 painting "Old Spindletop and Gladys City" by local artist Holmes Ed Jones. Below is a photo of a 1903 photo, just two years after the initial discovery.
The Black Gold Boomtown.
In early January 1901, "The Lucas Gusher" on Spindletop Hill, just south of Beaumont, TX, changed the economy of Texas for a century and more. For better or worse, it helped to usher in the petroleum age. During 9 days it spewed forth more oil than that produced in the entire state during the previous year. A boomtown was born, almost literally overnight.
Above is a detail from a 1973 painting "Old Spindletop and Gladys City" by local artist Holmes Ed Jones. Below is a photo of a 1903 photo, just two years after the initial discovery.