Asset

Date of ingest: 14 April 2026

Description: "The history of the Spindletop Oil Field in Beaumont, Texas, is closely tied to the early twentieth-century United States oil and gas industry. On January 10, 1901, the first oil boom began with the Lucas Gusher strike at Spindletop. Oil discoveries in Southeast Texas contributed to the founding of Sun Oil Company, Texas Company (Texaco), Yount-Lee Oil Company, Magnolia Petroleum Company, and Humble (Exxon Company) USA. Beaumont oilman Miles F (Frank) Yount believed that oil existed on the flanks of the original salt dome at Spindletop. The company began drilling anew in 1925; on May 5, 1927, it had its first major accident at Spindletop when the McFaddin No. 29 struck oil and blew out. Workers drilled down to 5,140 feet when the well first exploded, sending rocks 350–400 feet into the air and then oil 250 feet into the air for two hours. Two workers on the derrick were injured, and the rig's damage was estimated at $40,000. McFaddin No. 29 was one of the few gushers at Second Spindletop. Source: McKinley and Riley (2005). Black gold to bluegrass: From the oil fields of Texas to Spindletop Farm of Kentucky. Austin, TX: Eakin Press."