Oil and gas production has a long history in Jasper County

Oil was first found in Jasper County in 1928. Production was small until the 1950s. By 2004, the county had produced 34.8 million barrels total. Oil and gas are still part of the local economy. Jasper County is in Railroad Commission of Texas District 3. That office issues drilling permits and tracks production in this area.

In Texas, mineral rights and surface rights can belong to different owners. This is called a split estate. If you buy land here, check whether mineral rights come with the deed. If someone else owns the minerals under your land, they have the legal right to enter the surface to drill or produce. You can look up permitted wells and operator details on the Railroad Commission's website.