Let's Go There! Spindletop and the Texas Oil Boom

The video explores the Texas oil boom, starting with Standard Oil's dominance in the late 19th century. It follows Patillo Higgins' efforts to find oil at Spindle Top Hill, despite skepticism from the industry. After several failed attempts, Anthony Lucas took over and struck the largest oil gusher ever seen in 1901. This discovery led to a rush of wildcatters and the rapid growth of boom towns like Beaumont. Although Spindle Top dried up quickly, it sparked the Texas oil industry, leading to the creation of major companies like Texaco. The Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum now preserves this history.

What was the primary use of oil in the late 1800s before the rise of the automobile?

• Fuel for automobiles

• Lubrication for machinery

• Illumination as kerosene

• Heating homes

Who was the key figure that believed Spindle Top Hill had oil and gas beneath it?

• Henry Ford

• Anthony Lucas

• John D. Rockefeller

• Patillo Higgins

What was the estimated daily oil output of the Spindle Top gusher?

• 10,000 barrels

• 50,000 barrels

• 100,000 barrels

• 200,000 barrels

Which two major oil companies were founded as a result of the Texas oil boom?

• ExxonMobil and Chevron

• Texaco and Gulf Oil

• BP and Shell

• ConocoPhillips and Marathon Oil

What does the Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum feature as a replica?

• A working oil rig

• A historic oil pipeline

• A replica of the Lucas Gusher

• An old oil refinery