The East Texas Weekend Preview — East Texas is home to defining destinations along the timeline of oil discoveries in the Lone Star State.
From the Joiner Daisy Bradford No. 3 in Overton to the incredible East Texas Oil Museum in Kilgore, there are many spots to visit to curb your curiosity of local history.
However, one specific site, arguably the most important, has nearly been lost to time.
In 1866, on the Southeastern outskirts of Nacogdoches, a man by the name of Lyne T. Barret would strike oil for the very first time in the entire state. Thus, becoming the origin for the various booms in the following generations. This area become known as, Oil Springs. Drills and workers would flock to the land, obtaining precious, and slow flowing, oil. Over the next century, the wells would gradually dwindle in production, leading to a somewhat exodus onto other drilling sites beyond Oil Springs. As folks disappeared, so did much of the equipment.
For a deep dive into the story, visit the Texas State Historical Association’s 1995 article.
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Today, not much remains of Oil Springs. The historical marker that once stood along Farm Road 226 went missing for an extended amount of time, recently ending up in an Arkansas junkyard. (It is currently being refurbished and awaiting a new establishment date. We will update this article as soon as it is finished.)
Another piece that is missing is the original well itself. Somewhere hidden within the big thicket surrounding County Roads 421 and 420, lies the starting point of Texas oil history.
Two fascinating objects that are still visible include a couple of the original steel tanks that held the precious liquid. These towering containers serve as a reminder of their heyday, branded with the text, “Oil Springs. Texas’ First Oilfield. 1866. Nacogdoches, Texas.” These two tanks can be found about a mile North from the intersection of County Roads 421 and 420.
About 20min North of this site, you can visit the discoverer himself! Located behind Melrose Baptist Church lies the calm, beautiful Melrose Cemetery. Near the center of the destination, you will find Lyne T. Barret’s gravesite, along with a proper historical marker of his legacy.
This weekend, embark on your very own Texas oil history adventure. Visit Oil Springs and then make your way into the heart of Texas’ oldest city, Nacogdoches.
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