Chambers County Has Over a Century of Oil Production

Oil development began in Chambers County around 1916. The Barbers Hill oilfield, developed after 1918, grew quickly and peaked at about 8 million barrels in 1933. The Anahuac and Turtle Bay oilfields followed in 1935, bringing another wave of workers and revenue. By 2004, total county production since 1916 had reached 907 million barrels.

Oil money helped the county through the Great Depression relatively well compared to much of Texas. The population grew from a small rural base to over 7,500 by 1940, largely because of oilfield jobs.

Mineral rights and active wells still exist throughout the county. If you are buying land in Chambers County, check whether mineral rights are included in the sale. The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) tracks active oil and gas wells by county, and you can search the RRC GIS viewer for wells near any property.