Historical Marker

Orangefield

Historical marker location:
9908 FM 105, Orange, Texas
( Driveway going to Cormier Orangefield Museum on west side of building)
Marker installed: 2012
Marker size: 27" x 42"

THIS COMMUNITY HAS ITS ORIGINS IN THE FIRST WELL DRILLED IN THE ORANGE OIL FIELD. A SHALLOW WELL DRILLED IN 1903 YIELDED NO OIL. AFTER SUCCESSFUL DEEPER DRILLING ON OTHER SALT DOMES, RIO BRAVO OIL CO., A SUBSIDIARY OF THE SOUTHERN PACIFIC RAILROAD, DRILLED THE NO. 1 BLAND WELL IN 1913. THIS “WONDER WELL” PRODUCED 150 BARRELS PER DAY FROM 3,209 TO 3,227 FEET, THEN THE DEEPEST WELL IN TEXAS. IN 1921, HUMBLE OIL’S CHESSON NO. 5, ON A HILL ON THE WEST SIDE OF COW BAYOU NEAR THE OLD BRIDGE, PRODUCED 15,000 BARRELS DAILY. ITS SUCCESS SPURRED WILDCATTING AND LED TO DISCOVERY OF THE ORANGE OIL FIELD. TO OVERCOME MARSHLAND AND COW BAYOU FLOODING, ORANGE COUNTY BUILT A SIX-MILE PLANK ROAD TO ACCOMMODATE HEAVY OIL COMPANY EQUIPMENT. EIGHT BUSES HAULED WORKERS TO ORANGE FIELD, WHICH WITH ORANGE EXPERIENCED A POPULATION BOOM. BUSINESSES SPRANG UP, INCLUDING STORES, HOTELS, ROOMING HOUSES, CAFES AND TWO THEATERS. JAPANESE NATIVE KICHIMATSU KISHI ESTABLISHED AN AGRICULTURAL COLONY NEAR THE OIL FIELD. JAPANESE INVESTORS ALSO HEADED THE ORANGE PETROLEUM COMPANY, WHICH RECORDED THE WORLD’S DEEPEST ROTARY-DRILLED WELL AT 5,589 FEET IN 1922.

THE ORANGEFIELD POST OFFICE OPENED IN 1922. A JULY 1923 FIRE SPREAD THROUGH THE BUSINESS DISTRICT, CAUSING AN ESTIMATED $75,000 IN DAMAGES. THIS MAY HAVE MARKED THE TURNING POINT IN THE TOWN’S PROSPERITY. BY 1925, MOST OF THE DRILLING CREWS WERE GONE, AND ONLY ONE SECTION CREW REMAINED IN 1927. A 1926 TORNADO AND 1927 FIRE WHICH RAZED THE SCHOOLHOUSE WERE ADDITIONAL SETBACKS. DEMAND FOR OIL AND GAS AFTER WORLD WAR II LED TO A SURGE IN DRILLING ACTIVITY. IN 1963 THE U.S. CONGRESS AGREED TO CHANNEL THE FIRST 7.7 MILES OF COW BAYOU TO SOLVE FLOODING PROBLEMS. HURRICANES AUDREY (1957), RITA (2005) AND IKE (2008) DESTROYED OIL DERRICKS ALONG COW BAYOU. TODAY THE COMMUNITY IS CENTERED AROUND THE ORANGEFIELD INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT, CHURCHES, BUSINESSES AND HOMES

As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.

neighborhoods oil/petroleum topics
The Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
Texas random facts
Orange County, Texas has a rich history that dates back thousands of years to when it was inhabited by various Native American tribes. The earliest recorded human activity in the region can be traced back to the Coastal Coles Creek culture, which thrived from around 700 to 1200 AD. The area was later settled by the Atakapa Indians, who occupied the region until European explorers arrived in the 16th century.

Spanish explorers first arrived in the area in the 16th century, and French explorers followed shortly after. However, it was not until the early 19th century that permanent European settlement began in the present-day Orange County. The region became a part of the United States through the Louisiana Purchase in 1803, and during the mid-1800s, the area attracted an influx of immigrants, primarily from the southern United States, seeking fertile land for farming.

The establishment of a port on the Sabine River in the mid-19th century greatly contributed to the growth and development of Orange County. The town of Orange was founded in 1836, and the advent of steamboats allowed for increased trade and transportation. The region's economy prospered with the lumber industry becoming a major player. Sawmills and logging camps emerged, and Orange County became a leading producer of timber.

In the early 20th century, the discovery of oil and the subsequent establishment of oil refineries provided an economic boost to Orange County. The region attracted oil companies and their employees, leading to rapid growth and increased prosperity. Today, Orange County continues to thrive with a diverse economy that includes industries such as petrochemicals, shipbuilding, agriculture, and tourism, while still preserving its historical roots and cultural heritage.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Orange County, Texas.

  • 1690 - The area now known as Orange County was explored by Spanish explorers.
  • 1821 - Mexico gains independence from Spain, and the region becomes part of Mexico.
  • 1836 - Texas declares independence from Mexico, and Orange County becomes a part of the Republic of Texas.
  • 1852 - Orange County is officially established as a county in the state of Texas.
  • 1861-1865 - Orange County, like the rest of Texas, is a part of the Confederate States of America during the American Civil War.
  • 1895 - The city of Orange is incorporated.
  • 1901 - The Spindletop oil field is discovered near Orange, leading to an economic boom in the area.
  • 1903 - The City of Orange Heights is incorporated.
  • 1938 - The American Bridge Company opens a shipyard in Orange, contributing to the area's growth.
  • 1951 - The Mauriceville education system is consolidated into the Little Cypress Consolidated Independent School District.
  • 1973 - The City of West Orange is incorporated.