Magnolia Oil Refinery
Corsicana is recognized as the birthplace of the Texas oil industry which led to the formation of several prominent oil businesses. The first commercial oil refinery in Texas was built in Corsicana in 1898. Mayor James E. Whiteselle invited Joseph S. Cullinan, a talented manager with standard oil in Pennsylvania, to visit Corsicana and offer advice. In 1897, Cullinan came to Corsicana and quickly transferred his efforts. With a group of investors from back east, Cullinan formed the J.S. Cullinan Company, predecessor to the Magnolia Petroleum Company (Mobil Oil), to build the refinery. By December, the installation was complete with four stills, each twelve feet in diameter and thirty feet long, arranged in a row. Each firing still held 500 barrels of crude. The first batch of crude at the refinery was fired on Christmas Day in 1898 by W.C. Ralston. To market his product, Cullinan persuaded businesses across the region using coal to switch to fuel oil and provided a model for future oil endeavors.
In 1911, the J.S. Cullinan company merged with several newer companies to form the Magnolia Petroleum Company (Mobil Oil), the legendary Texas oil company symbolized by the flying red horse. The refinery ceased operations in 1941, but the tank farm and pipelines at the site continue in operation. Exxon Mobil, successor of Magnolia Petroleum and Mobil Oil, continues to maintain one of the four original brick-lined firing stills from the original refinery. Magnolia Petroleum and other founders of oil industry titans to come found their start in the Corsicana oil field and are remembered as forerunners in the industry
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.
During the 19th century, the area that is now Navarro County became part of the Republic of Texas and later the state of Texas. In 1848, the county was officially established and named after José Antonio Navarro, a prominent Tejano leader and signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence. The county seat, Corsicana, was established in 1848 and quickly grew due to its location along the railroad.
Corsicana became known as the "Oil City" in the early 20th century when significant oil discoveries were made in the county. The discovery of the Corsicana oilfield in 1894 brought an economic boom to the area, leading to the establishment of numerous oil companies and refineries. The county's economy flourished as a result, with Corsicana becoming a prosperous industrial and manufacturing center.
In addition to its oil industry, Navarro County has a strong agricultural heritage. Cotton farming was widespread in the county during the 19th and early 20th centuries, with large plantations and slave labor playing a significant role. Today, the county continues to be an important agricultural region, with cattle ranching, corn, and wheat farming being key industries.
Overall, Navarro County's history is marked by its Native American roots, European settlement, oil discoveries, and agricultural prominence. Today, the county retains its historical significance while also embracing modern industries and attractions.
Navarro County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Navarro County, Texas.
- 1846 - Navarro County established as one of the original counties of Texas
- 1848 - Corsicana chosen as the county seat
- 1850 - First courthouse built in Corsicana
- 1861-1865 - Navarro County heavily impacted by the American Civil War
- 1868 - Construction of the second courthouse in Corsicana
- 1871 - Corsicana becomes an important trading center for cotton
- 1881 - First discovery of natural gas in Corsicana leads to development of the oil industry
- 1894 - Construction of the third and current courthouse in Corsicana
- 1900 - Corsicana becomes the first Texas city to establish a municipal airport
- 1930s - Navarro County affected by the Great Depression; agriculture and oil industries suffer
- 1942-1945 - Corsicana Naval Air Station plays a significant role during World War II
- 1956 - Corsicana becomes the birthplace of the Collin Street Bakery fruitcake
- 1960s-1970s - Navarro College is established and begins to grow
- 1980s-1990s - Corsicana becomes a popular filming location for movies and TV shows
- 2005 - Hurricane Katrina evacuees temporarily housed in Navarro County
- 2010 - Corsicana celebrates its sesquicentennial anniversary
- 2017 - Corsicana locates one of the largest oil fields in Texas in Wolfberry Trend
- 2020 - Navarro County impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic