Historical Marker

Lou Della Crim No. 1

Historical marker location:
CR 1114, Laird Hill, Texas
( CR 1114 (Red Level Road), 0.2 mi. W of SH 42.)
Marker installed: 1987
Marker size: 18" x 28"

(600 feet south) Following the discovery of oil in East Texas on October 3, 1930, J. Malcolm Crim of Kilgore believed there was more oil to be found in the area. By October 17 drilling had begun on land belonging to his mother, Lou Della Crim. The well came in on December 28 and was named Lou Della Crim No. 1. Its discovery caused the population of Kilgore to boom from 700 to 10,000 in three days and, ultimately, proved that the East Texas oil field was a major one, covering over 480 square miles. Lou Della Crim No. 1 initially produced 20,000 barrels per day. It was plugged in 1961

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.

oil/petroleum topics
The cattle industry played a significant role in the development of Texas, with cowboys driving cattle from Texas to railheads in Kansas during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Texas random facts
Rusk County, Texas has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Caddo, who were skilled farmers and traders. European explorers and settlers began to arrive in the region during the 18th century, with the Spanish establishing missions and claiming the land as part of their New Spain colony.

In the early 19th century, American pioneers began to settle in what is now Rusk County. The county was named after Thomas Jefferson Rusk, a prominent Texas statesman and military leader. Rusk County played a significant role in the Texas Revolution, with several local residents participating in the Battle of San Jacinto, which ultimately led to Texas gaining independence from Mexico in 1836.

The discovery of oil in Rusk County in the early 20th century brought a wave of economic development and prosperity to the area. The East Texas Oil Boom transformed Rusk County into one of the largest oil-producing regions in the United States, attracting thousands of workers and businesses to the county. The oil industry continues to be a major economic driver in Rusk County today.

In addition to its oil heritage, Rusk County is also known for its rich cultural heritage. The city of Henderson, the county seat, boasts a historic downtown district with many well-preserved buildings from the 19th and early 20th centuries. The county is also home to numerous historical sites, museums, and events that celebrate its history, including the Rusk County Historical Commission and the Depot Museum in Henderson.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Rusk County, Texas.

  • 1843 - Rusk County established as a county in the Republic of Texas
  • 1858 - The town of Henderson becomes the county seat
  • 1861-1865 - Rusk County residents participate in the American Civil War
  • 1901 - The first oil well is drilled in Rusk County, leading to the East Texas Oil Boom
  • 1937 - Rusk County experiences a devastating flood, causing significant damage
  • 1964 - Martin Luther King Jr. delivers a speech in Henderson during the Civil Rights Movement
  • 1989 - The Texas Legislature designates Rusk County as the "Antique Capital of East Texas"
  • 2020 - Rusk County celebrates its 177th anniversary