Boomtown Rise of the Permian | Chapter 2
Dec 17, 2019
Brian Burrow, author of six books including "The Big Rich," shares riveting insights into the 1923 Santa Rita No. 1 well, the catalyst of the West Texas oil boom. He recounts the chaotic beginnings and daring wildcatters who symbolized this era. Listeners will discover how the Spindletop discovery in 1901 reshaped the Permian Basin’s economic landscape and the intricate ties between Texas oil tycoons and national politics. Burrow vividly paints a picture of transient boomtown lifestyles and Texas' crucial role during WWII.
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Spindletop Sparked Texas Oil Boom
- The Texas oil boom was defined by wildcatters and began with the massive discovery at Spindletop.
- Before Spindletop, oil was not yet a major industry or priority despite earlier drilling successes.
Frank Pickerel's Last-Minute Drilling
- Frank Pickerel made a last-minute effort to spud in a water well to save drilling rights near Big Lake in 1921.
- He even got a stranger to sign an affidavit witnessing the critical event to meet the deadline.
Santa Rita No. 1 Gushers Oil
- After years of tough drilling, the Santa Rita No. 1 well finally gushed oil in 1923, sparking the Permian Basin boom.
- The oil flow lasted for a month, turning the area into a major oil field almost overnight.
