History / Industry
Oil and Sulfur Mining Shaped Brazoria County's Economy Before Petrochemicals Arrived
Brazoria County had significant oil production beginning in 1901 and became a leading sulfur-producing county in the early 20th century, laying the groundwork for the later petrochemical industry.
Mineral production in Brazoria County started at the West Columbia oilfield as early as 1901. Oil production at Brazoria followed in 1902. By 1921, the county had produced 12.5 million barrels of oil. Sulfur deposits were found at Bryan Mound, Hoskins Mound, and Stratton Ridge Dome. Commercial sulfur mining began in 1912. Within a few years, Brazoria County ranked among the top sulfur producers in the United States.
The Freeport Sulphur Company ran large-scale mining at Bryan and Hoskins Mounds. By 1930, the company employed hundreds of workers and produced thousands of tons of sulfur each day. The salt domes that trapped sulfur also held the oil and gas that later drew industrial companies to the area.
This history of oil and sulfur was part of what brought Dow Chemical to Freeport in 1940. It also supports the modern chemical manufacturing complex in Brazosport today. The Texas State Historical Association's county entry at tshaonline.org covers this history in detail.
Source to confirm: TSHA Handbook — Brazoria County