Oil & Gas History

Oil was discovered in Fort Bend County in 1919

Gulf Oil drilled the county's first producing oil well in 1919, adding petroleum to a county economy built on sugar and cotton.

Fort Bend County History & Culture

Fort Bend County's economy was built on agriculture for its first century. That changed in 1919 when Gulf Oil brought in the county's first commercially producing oil well. By the mid-1970s, petroleum development was a major part of the local economy.

Oil and gas activity has fluctuated with market cycles since then. The Railroad Commission of Texas (RRC) regulates oil and gas production statewide and keeps records of wells in the county.

If you buy rural property in Fort Bend County, ask whether mineral rights are included in the sale. In Texas, mineral rights can be owned separately from the surface land.

Source to confirm: Handbook of Texas – Fort Bend County

More Fort Bend County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two offices handle your property tax in Fort Bend County

The appraisal district sets your home's value; the tax assessor-collector sends the bill and takes payment.

Read note ->

Homestead Exemption

How to apply for a homestead exemption in Fort Bend County

Homeowners who live in their home as their main residence can apply with FBCAD to lower the taxable value.

Read note ->

Municipal Utility Districts

Many Fort Bend neighborhoods are inside a MUD

Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs) are special taxing districts that built and now run water, sewer, and drainage in many subdivisions.

Read note ->

Ag Valuation

Agricultural land in Fort Bend can be taxed at a lower rate

Land used for farming or ranching may qualify for a lower tax value based on what it can produce, not what it would sell for.

Read note ->