The Spindletop Gusher

The Spindletop Gusher was a landmark oil discovery that occurred on January 10, 1901, near Beaumont, Texas. When drillers tapped into a reservoir of pressurized oil, it erupted from the ground with tremendous force, shooting over 150 feet into the air. This event marked the beginning of the Texas oil boom and significantly changed the energy industry in the United States. It led to the establishment of major oil companies and accelerated industrial growth. Spindletop is often seen as the catalyst for the modern petroleum industry, highlighting the vital role of oil in shaping the economy and society.