Oil History

Nacogdoches County Is Home to Texas's First Commercial Oil Well

On September 12, 1866, Lyne T. Barret brought in the first producing oil well in Texas, right here in Nacogdoches County.

Nacogdoches County History & Culture

The Texas oil industry did not start in Beaumont or West Texas — it started in Nacogdoches County. On September 12, 1866, a man named Lyne T. Barret used a steam-powered auger to drill a producing oil well in the county. The Handbook of Texas, published by the Texas State Historical Association, documents this as the first commercial oil well in Texas.

The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) regulates all oil and gas production in the state today. If you are buying land in Nacogdoches County, it is worth checking whether the property has active or historical oil and gas leases. The RRC's public GIS map lets you look up wells and permits by location.

Source to confirm: Handbook of Texas — Nacogdoches County

More Nacogdoches County notes

Property Tax

Two Offices Handle Property Tax in Nacogdoches County

The appraisal district values your property, but a separate tax office handles billing — and these two offices have different addresses and phone numbers.

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Homestead Exemption

How to Get a Homestead Exemption in Nacogdoches County

If you own and live in your home, you can apply for a homestead exemption to lower your property tax bill.

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Ag Valuation

Agricultural and Timber Valuation Can Lower Your Tax Bill

Landowners in this heavily forested county can have their land taxed on its farming or timber value — often much lower than market value.

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Fishing

Nacogdoches Lake Is a Solid Bass Fishery Near Town

This 2,212-acre city reservoir off FM 225 has a strong largemouth bass population and free public boat ramp access.

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