Texas Porch

History

Oil and Gas Shaped Moore County Starting in the 1920s

Moore County went from a cattle-ranching area to an oil and gas hub after commercial production began in 1927, reshaping the county's towns and economy.

Moore County History & Culture

Gas reserves were found in Moore County as early as 1921. Large-scale commercial oil production started in 1927 after the discovery of the Panhandle oil field. Refineries built by several companies followed, and two railroads extended lines into the county to serve the industry by the early 1930s. The town of Sunray grew as an oil refining center during this era.

Before oil, the county ran on cattle. George W. Littlefield established the LIT Ranch in the county in 1877. Moore County was officially organized in 1892, with Dumas as the county seat. The county was named for Commodore Edwin Ward Moore, commander of the Republic of Texas Navy. Today the county economy still mixes agriculture, oil and gas, and beef production.

Source to confirm: Handbook of Texas — Moore County

More Moore County notes

Property Tax

Two Offices Handle Your Property Tax in Moore County

Moore County splits property tax duties between two offices — one sets your value, the other collects the bill.

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Groundwater / Wells

You Need a Permit Before Drilling a Water Well

Moore County sits inside the North Plains Groundwater Conservation District, which requires approval before you drill any non-exempt water well.

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Water Supply

The Ogallala Aquifer Supplies Most Water Here — and It Is Shrinking

Most water in Moore County — for homes, farms, and industry — comes from the Ogallala Aquifer, a deep underground source that is slowly shrinking.

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Vehicle Registration

Register and Inspect Your Vehicle at the Same County Office

Texas combines vehicle inspection and registration into one process called Two Steps, One Sticker — handled locally at the Moore County Tax Office.

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