Oil & Gas History
Jackson County has been an oil producer since the 1930s
Oil was discovered in Jackson County in 1934 and production has continued for decades, shaping the local economy alongside farming and ranching.
Before oil, Jackson County ran on cattle and cotton. The oil discovery in 1934 gave relief during the Great Depression. According to the Handbook of Texas, as of January 1, 1991 the county had produced over 656 million barrels of crude oil. Production continued well into the 2000s.
If you are buying land in Jackson County, check whether mineral rights are included in the sale — they often are not. The Texas Railroad Commission regulates oil and gas activity in the state. You can search production history, well locations, and operator permits on the RRC website. Knowing whether minerals are severed from the surface matters for land use and noise from any future drilling.
Source to confirm: Handbook of Texas — Jackson County