North Nocona Oil Field - Montague County Oil Discovery, 1922
Historical marker location:Pennsylvania oil man George Williams, backed by Cad McCall, drilled for oil intermittently, 1918-22, beginning at Eagle Point (4.5 mi. SE). Leasing by individuals and major companies--including Phil Lesh, A.E. Humphrey, and the Texas Co.--kept rigs working. Gas blew in at 800-foot depth on J.W. Maddox-J.E. Lemons land, one well yielding over 100,000,000 cubic feet daily. The gas was piped to Nocona and rural homes. Oil was discovered in 1922 on Maddox site, at about 1,000 feet. Production continued at 1,000-2,000 feet, there and elsewhere. The gas caused trouble: a capped well blew mud from prairie dog holes and gas from water well a quarter-mile away. In 1925, a gas well on W.W. Jones land (2 mi. W) blew out a gigantic crater. Another well (.75 mi. W) caught fire, burned its rig, and was finally doused by nationally-famed oil well fire fighter Tex Thornton. With an estimated 100,000,000-barrel total on record, this 12,295-acre field still produces.
(1972)
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 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.
The county's namesake, Daniel Montague, arrived in the area in 1854 and became one of the first permanent settlers. Montague County was officially established and organized in 1858, with Montague serving as its first county seat. However, due to ongoing conflicts with Native American tribes and accessibility issues, many of the early settlements faced challenges in their development.
The discovery of oil and gas reserves in Montague County in the early 1900s brought significant economic development to the region. This led to an increase in population and infrastructure, and the county experienced a boom in oil production during the mid-20th century. The county's economy diversified over time to include agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism, contributing to its growth and stability.
Today, Montague County is known for its picturesque scenery, with rolling hills, vast prairies, and scenic rivers attracting outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The county also celebrates its history through its various museums, historical landmarks, and annual events, preserving the heritage and culture of the area for future generations to appreciate.
Montague County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Montague County, Texas.
- 1857: Montague County is established by the Texas legislature
- 1860: The first county courthouse is built in the town of Montague
- 1861-1865: Montague County residents serve in the Confederate Army during the Civil War
- 1874: The town of Saint Jo is founded
- 1882: The Fort Worth and Denver City Railway extends into Montague County, promoting economic growth
- 1884: The town of Nocona is established
- 1900: The Montague County courthouse burns down and is subsequently rebuilt
- 1930s: The Great Depression and Dust Bowl impact the county, causing economic hardship
- 1957: The Montague County Courthouse is again destroyed by fire but is reconstructed
- 2000: The county experiences population growth and ongoing development