Prairie Oil and Gas Company Housing
Eastland, Eastland County, Texas
Marker Inscription
The Eastland County oil boom, 1917-1922, prompted construction of many of Eastland's substantial public and residential structures. Prairie Oil and Gas Company began oil exploration in the county, and in 1919 erected housing in this area for their company officials. W.I. Clark, the Eastland Superintendent, occupied this two-story structure, which was typical of 2 other company houses located directly north of this residence, one of which still stands. Sinclair Oil Co. purchased the operation in 1932 and in 1935 sold these houses to individuals. (1983)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
The Eastland County oil boom of 1917–1922 remade the town, funding many of its public and residential buildings. In 1919 the Prairie Oil and Gas Company built housing here for its officials, including this two-story home occupied by Eastland superintendent W. I. Clark. Sinclair Oil bought the operation in 1932 and sold the houses to private owners a few years later.
Why it matters
These company houses are physical reminders of the Texas oil rush, when petroleum wealth transformed small towns almost overnight.
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Related people
- · W. I. Clark
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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