Spindletop: The Gusher That Changed America
In the beginning of the 20th Century, oil was still considered a simple tool that could only be used for lighting or lubricant. Few understood the potential of oil and gas because the right quantities did not yet exist. However, the Spindletop discovery will forever change everything.
The history of Spindletop
The salt dome oil field in Beaumont, Texas had potential. However, investors of the early 1900s were getting weary of expensive drilling that was producing no oil. Sulfur springs and bubbling gas were signs of something beneath the surface. However, every attempt to locate the liquid gold underneath failed. It was not until January 10, 1901 that drilling unearthed the Spindletop gusher. This discovery resulted in blowing oil over 150 feet in the air. It was so impressive that it took nine days until the well could be brought under control. Even today, Spindletop boasts the record as the largest oil gusher in the world. Ultimately, bringing America, and Texas, into the oil boom.
Spindletop helped United States became the world’s largest oil producer.
The discovery of Spindletop produced the first oil field on the US gulf coast. This discovery prompted further discoveries which established boom-towns and oil wells by the hundreds. The Spindletop gusher quickly began producing approximately 100,000 barrels of oil per day. Although it eventually reduced to 10,000 oil per day, it remained a lucrative source of oil until 1936. The town of Beaumont holds strongly to its boomtown period. The Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum holds an annual celebration to commemorate this fantastic day. Spindletop was the first great Texas oil strike. Thus, ushering in a brilliant oil and gas industry in this part of the US.
The Spindletop community is proud to celebrate 118 years of success.
Beaumont honors the Spindletop gusher with reenactments, blacksmiths, print-making, and games for children. The celebration does it’s best to replicate the excitement of discovering unknown oil that both drillers and investors experienced in 1901. It was a triumph for the Beaumont area and the museum is our reminder that greatness still awaits under the surface.
History can repeat itself.
Oil and gas are still a profitable industry for wealthy investors. Fortunately, modern technology does not require the investors to have the same leap of faith as those of 1901. The US remains a top producer of oil. The demand for this liquid gold is increasing every day. Experts are certain another gusher hides beneath the surface. It is time for investors to do more than remember the excitement of discovering oil in Texas. Will you be a part of the new oil frontier?
