Historical Marker

Roaring Ranger

Historical marker location:
Ranger, Texas
( At Roaring Ranger Oil Boom Museum (former train station), Main Street at Loop 254, Ranger.)
Marker installed: 1967
Marker size: 27" x 42"

Boom of high excitement and strategic importance. When oil demand was high during World War I, Texas Pacific Coal Company general manager W.K. Gordon, a believer in deep drilling, persuaded his company to make the venture that started Ranger's oil boom at McClesky No. 1 (1 mi. S). This blew in, October 1917, as a 1700-barrels-a-day gusher. Later gushers yielded up to 7,000 and 11,000-barrels-a-day each. Ten daily trains brought in prospectors packed in the aisles or on tops of coaches. Ranger's dozen or so houses became a city of drillers, suppliers, oil company offices. Living quarters were so scarce that not only were beds of day-tour men occupied by the graveyard-tour men, but overstuffed chairs were also rented for sleeping. Food was hard to get and prices were high. For two rainy years, Ranger was a sea of mud. A sled taxied people across streets, or a man in hip boots carried them piggyback. However, money was plentiful, and forces of vice moved in. After five murders occurred in one day, law officers arrested many criminals and expelled gamblers and vagrants. Ranger's success overshadowed its troubles. It is said to have yielded in a year twice the wealth of best years in California and Klondike gold fields. (1967)

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.

cities and towns oil/petroleum topics
Audiobooks about the history of Texas.
Texas was once an independent country: After winning its independence from Mexico in 1836, Texas became its own country, known as the Republic of Texas. It existed as an independent nation for nine years before being annexed by the United States in 1845.
Texas random facts
Eastland County, located in central Texas, has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The area was first inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Apache. The arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century brought about changes in the region, with conflicts arising between the Native Americans and European settlers.

The county's official establishment came in 1858, when Texas Legislature recognized it as a separate entity. The county was named after William M. Eastland, who fought in the Texan Revolution and served as a Texas Ranger. During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Eastland County experienced significant growth and development thanks to the arrival of railroads, making it a crucial transportation hub for the surrounding regions.

The discovery of oil in the early 20th century also brought prosperity to Eastland County. The oil boom led to a population increase, as well as the growth of industrial and commercial sectors. However, the Great Depression of the 1930s had a devastating impact on the county, leading to a decline in population and economic activity.

In recent decades, Eastland County has worked to revive its economy and preserve its rich heritage. Today, the county is known for its thriving agricultural sector, including cattle farming and crop cultivation. The county also attracts tourists with its natural beauty, offering outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, hunting, and camping. Eastland County continues to embrace its history while looking towards a promising future.

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

  • 1850 - Eastland County is established as a county in Texas.
  • 1854 - The town of Palo Pinto is designated as the county seat.
  • 1858 - Palo Pinto is abandoned, and the county seat is moved to Merriman.
  • 1875 - Merriman loses the county seat status to Eastland.
  • 1890 - The Texas Central Railroad arrives in Eastland, fueling growth and economic development.
  • 1907 - The first oil well in Eastland County is drilled, leading to the rise of the oil industry in the area.
  • 1920 - The Eastland City Dam is built, creating Lake Leon and providing a water source for the region.
  • 1930 - The population of Eastland County reaches its peak, with over 30,000 residents.
  • 1938 - Eastland County is severely affected by the devastating tornado outbreak known as the "Wichita Falls–East Texas Tornado Outbreak."
  • 1950s - The decline of the oil industry and changes in agriculture lead to a population decrease in Eastland County.
  • Today, Eastland County is a rural area with a diverse economy, including agriculture, oil and gas production, and tourism.