Oil and gas activity here is regulated by the Texas Railroad Commission

Gas was struck at Big Hill in 1901, and producing oilfields were established in the county by 1913. Output grew for many decades and peaked near 7 million barrels in 1965. Oil and gas activity still goes on today.

The Texas Railroad Commission (RRC) regulates all oil and gas wells and operators in the county. Despite the name, the RRC handles oil and gas — not trains.

If you own land here, the RRC has a free public map tool online. You can search by location to see nearby wells, pipelines, and permits. If you are buying rural land, find out whether the seller owns the mineral rights. In this area, mineral rights are often owned separately from the land itself. Check the RRC's website before you sign.