Barbers Hill Oil Field
Historical marker location:While digging a 65-ft. water well near his home in 1889, Elmer W. Barber (1854-1935), whose father Amos Barber first settled this area, encountered inflammable gas near the top of the salt dome known as Barbers Hill. After the Spindletop discovery in 1901, prospectors sought leases here. In 1902 Pattillo Higgins (1863-1955), an early Spindletop promoter, drilled on the northwest slope of the hill. His shallow well, like those of other early operations, yielded little, and the low price of crude oil discouraged large investment.
The United Petroleum Co. No. 1 Fisher, drilled in 1918, produced 70 barrels a day, the field's first oil in commercial quantities. Drilling resumed in 1926, when the Mills Bennett Production co. and the Humphreys Corp. brought in the A. E. Barber No. 1, yielding 500 barrels a day. The success later that year of their B-2 Kirby, reaching a depth of 4,174 ft., triggered a leasing campaign and launched a period of rapid expansion which lasted until the late 1930s.
Rows of oil derricks and tent dwellings were a common sight during the boom. As the population of the community grew, oil money helped upgrade and enlarge school facilities. By 1977, the local economy had shifted from production to storage of petroleum
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.
The first oil well in the United States was drilled in Texas in 1859. The discovery of oil transformed the economy of the state and helped to make Texas one of the wealthiest states in the nation.
In 1824, Thomas Jefferson Chambers, a lawyer and land speculator, was granted a colonization contract for the area, which later became known as Chambers County. He established a settlement called Anahuac, which quickly grew into a thriving port town. However, tensions between American settlers and the Mexican government eventually led to the Anahuac Disturbances in 1832, a series of conflicts over local issues such as trade regulations and land titles.
During the Texas Revolution in 1836, Chambers County played a significant role. The Battle of Anahuac took place in May of that year, with Texian rebels successfully capturing the Mexican garrison and securing control of the region. After Texas gained independence, Chambers County became part of the Republic of Texas in 1836.
Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Chambers County's economy was heavily dependent on agriculture, with cotton and rice being the primary crops. The discovery of oil and natural gas in the early 20th century brought a new wave of economic growth to the region. The establishment of several petrochemical plants contributed to the county's industrial development, transforming it into an important hub for the oil and gas industry.
Today, Chambers County continues to evolve and thrive. It is renowned for its natural beauty and offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, and birdwatching. The county's historical significance, coupled with its economic growth, makes it an attractive place to live and visit in Southeast Texas.
Chambers County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Chambers County, Texas.
- 1830s - Native American tribes such as the Karankawa and Atakapa are present in the area.
- 1822 - The Mexican government establishes the Municipality of Atascosito, which includes present-day Chambers County.
- 1835-1836 - The Texas Revolution takes place, leading to Texas gaining its independence from Mexico.
- 1836 - Chambers County is officially founded and named after Thomas Jefferson Chambers, a landowner and early settler in the area.
- 1840 - The town of Anahuac becomes the county seat of Chambers County.
- 1850s - Rice becomes an important crop in the county, leading to economic growth.
- 1861-1865 - Chambers County residents participate in the American Civil War, with many serving in the Confederate Army.
- 1875 - The Galveston, Houston, and Henderson Railroad is completed, boosting trade and transportation in the county.
- 1900 - The devastating Galveston Hurricane causes significant damage to Chambers County.
- 1901 - The Spindletop oil strike in nearby Beaumont leads to an oil boom in Chambers County.
- 1933 - The completion of the Intracoastal Waterway greatly benefits the county's shipping and trade industries.
- 1943-1945 - During World War II, the county hosts the Chambers County Airport, which serves as a training base for the United States Army Air Forces.
- 1957 - Chambers County becomes home to the Chambers County Nuclear Power Plant, which operates until 1974.
- 2005 - Chambers County is impacted by Hurricane Rita and experiences significant damage.