Oil Changed Jim Hogg County in 1921

Before oil, Jim Hogg County ran on cattle. Ranching dominated the land from the time Anglo and Tejano settlers moved in during the 1800s. Then on April 17, 1921, a well called Killam No. 3 struck oil at 1,461 feet and produced 100 barrels a day. New residents and businesses followed quickly. By the early 1990s, cumulative oil production from the county had reached about 106 million barrels since 1922.

Ranching did not disappear. Oil money layered on top of it. Today the county's economy still mixes cattle, oil and gas, and some row crops. If you buy land with potential mineral value, the Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) tracks active wells and permits in the county. You can search by county on the RRC website to see current production activity.