Oil, Gas, and Other Minerals Are Found in Washington County

Texas Almanac lists oil, natural gas, lignite, brick clay, salt, and sulfur among Washington County's mineral resources. In Texas, mineral rights can be sold or leased separately from the surface of the land. When you buy property, you may not be buying the minerals underneath it.

Before closing on rural land, ask your title company what mineral rights are included. Check the Railroad Commission of Texas at rrc.texas.gov to look up permitted wells and production activity in the area. If an operator holds a lease on the minerals, they may have the right to access your surface for drilling.