World’s Richest Acre Park

On part of one downtown block, actually about 1.2 acres, once stood greatest concentration of oil wells in the world producing more than 2.5 million barrels of oil. All but one of original derricks were dismantled in early 1960s. The original derrick and 26 new ones, a restored pumpjack, a granite monument to the pioneer oil families of East Texas, and brick walkways erected in a historical preservation program make the park a monument to the oil boom of 1930s. A historical marker details history of the plot. An interesting sidelight is that one well was drilled through terrazzo floor of the Kilgore National Bank that once stood on site. Located at Main and Commerce sts. across from railroad depot.