Black Gold Trail

Visit the Spindletop/Gladys City Boomtown Museum to see how it all happened when the Lucas Gusher, the largest gusher in the world, blew in January 1901. The museum depicts a replica boomtown that sprang up overnight and how Beaumont ushered in the industrial revolution, giving rise to the major petroleum companies. Spindletop gives visitors a chance to experience this remarkable chapter in history first-hand and learn about the industrial developments that followed.

Tour the Texas Energy Museum and experience the fascinating world of petroleum, geology, energy and science as colorful exhibitions unfold the story of Texas oil. See talking cinematic robots tell of early oil field life and learn the many uses and byproducts of oil. Discover the beginning of the 20th century "Age of Oil" through the many displays about Spindletop. Interactive exhibits depict the unique history of oil exploration, production and refining in Texas.

Complete your Black Gold Trail with a tour of the McFaddin-Ward House and marvel at the bounty of Spindletop! The historic home is a 12,800 square-foot Beaux Arts Colonial Revival style house and its structure and furnishings reflect the lifestyle of the prominent family who lived in the house for seventy-five years. The magnificent home was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1971 and named a Texas State Historic Landmark in 1976.