In Age of Oil in Texas (1901-1929), students in grades 6-8 will explore the transformative impact of the discovery of oil in Texas, beginning with the historic gusher at Spindletop. This book examines how oil became a driving force in shaping the state’s economy, population, and environment, marking the start of Texas’s oil boom.

Oil had long been present in Texas, used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes and by Spanish explorers to waterproof boats. However, it wasn’t until the late 1800s that people realized oil’s commercial potential as a replacement for whale oil in lighting and as a critical ingredient in medicines and other products. Enterprising Texans like Patillo Higgins, Anthony F. Lucas, and John Galey began searching for underground oil, hoping to strike it rich.

The turning point came on January 10, 1901, when a well at Spindletop Hill near Beaumont unleashed a powerful gush of oil, shooting 150 feet into the air. The well took nine days to control, marking the beginning of the Texas oil industry. The discovery of Spindletop revolutionized Texas’s economy, attracting entrepreneurs and workers from all over the country and turning Texas into a significant player in the global oil market.

This book provides students with an engaging look at the events surrounding Spindletop and the early days of Texas’s oil industry. Through narratives, maps, and illustrations, students will learn how the discovery of oil transformed Texas from a primarily agricultural state into an industrial powerhouse, setting the stage for the state’s modern economic and cultural identity.

Aligned with US History curriculum standards for grades 6-8, Age of Oil in Texas offers a comprehensive understanding of how the oil industry shaped Texas in the early 20th century, impacting its economy, environment, and way of life.