D. W. Stephens No. 1 Discovery Oil Well
Historical marker location:(The Texas Company [Texaco]) The search for oil in Fisher County began in 1918. Though four wells were drilled in the southwestern part of the county in 1919, all four were dry, and more wells were drilled in the Rotan area. None of these yielded oil.
Dan W. Stephens (1860-1946) and his wife Laura Bell Johnson owned 3,100 acres of land near the railroad town of Royston. The Stephens property was selected for a well in 1927.
On May 21, 1927, the Texas Company (later Texaco) began drilling approximately four miles north of this site. The well was drilled to 2,302 feet. It encountered a casing problem and was plugged and abandoned. On October 24, 1927, another hole was begun fifty feet to the east. By January 19, 1928, it had become the first producing oil well in the county, reaching 3,275 feet into the earth. Eventually, seven wells were located on the Stephens land, and more wells dotted the landscape of Fisher County. Revenues from the petroleum business helped landowners through the Depression era, brought sorely needed employment, and helped to build and maintain schools, roads, buildings, and hospitals.
The Stephens No. 1 produced 481,447 barrels of oil in 66 years. Plugged and abandoned in November 1994, its service to Royston and Fisher County is remembered. (1998)
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.
Texas has been a major oil-producing state for over a century. The first big oil discovery in Texas was the Spindletop field near Beaumont in 1901, which set off a massive oil boom that transformed the state's economy and made Texas one of the wealthiest states in the country.
The early settlers of Fisher County were primarily ranchers and farmers who were attracted to the fertile land and abundance of water sources, particularly the Colorado River. These pioneers faced many challenges, including severe weather conditions and conflicts with Native American tribes in the area. However, they persevered and gradually developed thriving communities, mainly centered around farming and ranching.
The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s greatly enhanced the county's economic development. The railroad allowed for the transport of goods and improved access to markets, leading to the growth of towns such as Roby and Rotan. With the expansion of the rail network, Fisher County became an important transportation hub in the region.
In the 20th century, Fisher County faced some setbacks, including the effects of the Great Depression and a decline in population due to the mechanization of farming. However, the discovery of oil and gas reserves in the area in the 1940s provided a boost to the local economy. Today, Fisher County continues to rely on agriculture, oil and gas, and small businesses as its main economic drivers, while also preserving its historical heritage through museums and cultural events.
Fisher County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Fisher County, Texas.
- 1870: Fisher County was established on February 1, 1876, and named after Samuel Rhoads Fisher, a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
- 1880s: The first settlement in the area was established near the Clear Fork of the Brazos River.
- 1890s: The county experienced a population boom with the arrival of the Texas Central Railroad.
- 1911: The town of Roby was designated as the county seat of Fisher County.
- 1930s: Fisher County, like the rest of the country, was greatly affected by the Great Depression.
- 1940s: The discovery of oil and gas in the county led to economic growth and increased population.
- 1970s: The county faced economic challenges due to declining oil prices.
- 2000s: Fisher County continued to be primarily agricultural, with farming and ranching as the main economic activities.