Well folks, January 10, 1901 was a day that people will never forget.
It started out
a clear and cold day in Beaumont, Texas. Out on Spindletop Hill, three men were
working on an oil derrick.
Curt and Al Hamill along with Peck Byrd put a new bit
on the drill and lowered it back into the 1,020 foot hole they had been drilling
for months.
Suddenly, they heard a hissing sound. Then they had to run for cover because mud
shot out of the hole, along with four tons of drilling pipe. After everything
quietened down, the men returned to the oil derrick to clean up the mess. Next, the
earth began to shake as oil erupted out of the ground. The roar of the geyser of
oil was deafening. The oil shot 100 feet above the derrick. The men were covered
with mud and oil.
People in Beaumont raced out to Spindletop to see the gusher. Their hair, skin, and
clothing was soon covered with oil. Someone dropped a match and a fire started in
a field next to the well. The drillers worked hard to put out the flames to prevent
an explosion.
Captain Anthony F. Lucas was in Beaumont getting supplies when he heard the news.
He jumped into
his wagon and raced to the hill. He was so excited that he stood beside the gusher and
let it "rain" on him. Later, they named the gusher after him.
It is estimated that nearly 3,000 gallons of oil were being spewed into the air every
minute. It covered the hill and ran down into nearby streams. Animals, trees, and
houses were covered in oil.
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Well folks, January 10, 1901 was a day that people will never forget.
It started out
a clear and cold day in Beaumont, Texas. Out on Spindletop Hill, three men were
working on an oil derrick.
Curt and Al Hamill along with Peck Byrd put a new bit
on the drill and lowered it back into the 1,020 foot hole they had been drilling
for months.
