LASR.net Homepage




Menu

In 1927, Columbus M. "Dad" Joiner believed there was oil in Rusk County. Joiner and an Oklahoma attorney and oil promoter had won and lost two fortunes in oil, and despite nearing age 70, he was beginning another search "without even the proverbial shoestring." With inferior equipment, he drilled his first well on Daisy Bradford's land, about six miles from Henderson to a depth of 1,098 feet before junking the site. His second attempt was also unsuccessful. In January 1930, the third well was started by Joiner about 300 feet from his first attempt. On Sept. 3, 1930, the drill bit struck the Woodbine Sand and the core came up dripping with oil. On Oct. 3, 1930, the Daisy Bradford No. 3 blew in as a 300 barrel-a-day well at a depth of 3,59

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Rose Hill Ampitheater

Unique amphitheater is located in natural crater that is 60 feet deep and 300

Henderson, TX Amphitheaters

East Texas Discovery Well

In 1927, Columbus M. "Dad" Joiner believed there was oil in Rusk County. Joiner and an Oklahoma attorney and oil promoter had won and lost two fortunes in oil, and despite nearing age 70, he was beginning another search "without even the proverbial shoestring."

Henderson, TX Oil History


Harmony Hill Ghost Town

Eighteen miles northeast on Texas 43, The Harmony Hill Ghost Town was important trade center known as Nip and Tuck in 1850. Bypassed by railroads, the town declined, and in 1906

Henderson, TX Ghost Towns

Depot Museum and Children's Discovery Center

Restored 1901 Missouri Pacific RR depot houses museum of county history in old waiting room and office. Warehouse portion is hands-on learning center for children 3 to 11. On grounds is 1908 restored "Arnold Outhouse," first in state to receive historical marker. Ornate, gingerbread-style, "

Henderson, TX Museums

Things to do near Henderson, TX

Marshall Depot and Museum

Located in the heart of the Ginocchio National Historic District, the prominent Texas and Pacific Depot houses both a train d...

Martin Creek Lake Fishing

Martin Creek Lake has standing timber, several creek channels, some lily pads and plenty of shore line structure. Catfishing...

Tyler Museum of Art

Three galleries featuring exhibits and a growing permanent collection of 19th- and 20th-century art and photography. Gift sho...

Joe Roughneck Statue

Commemorating George William Strake, who brought in the 19,000-acre Conroe Oil Field in 1931 and became Houston's first oil m...

Perot Theatre

1,600-seat neo-Renaissance theater elegantly restored to its original royal blue and gilt splendor with gleaming chandeliers ...