LASR.net Homepage




Menu

Ranger, Texas

When oil boom towns are recalled, Ranger often leads the list. It was a quiet rural community established near a Texas Ranger camp in the 1870s. In October 1917, a gusher blew in and touched off one of the greatest booms in petroleum history. World War I demand for oil was at an all-time high. The lure of instant riches was irresistible and the town erupted with every kind of frenzied activity. In one year the population exploded from 1,000 to 30,000. Small farmers became millionaires. Four railroads raced to complete lines and one railroad's receipts jumped from $94,000 to $8,000,000 in two years.

As in most instances, the boom was short-lived and today there is no evidence of that bigger-than-life era. Oil activity is evident in orderly fields, while farming and ranching is the major interest of area citizens.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Things to do near Ranger, TX

Oldham County Heritage Farm & Ranch Museum

This outdoor display of antique farm and ranch equipment is testimony to the hard work of early Plains settlers. Exhibits inc...

River Valley Pioneer Museum

Quaint museum features memorabilia on history of Canadian and Hemphill County. Traveling exhibits from other museums also dis...

Phillips Municipal Golf Course

Course Access: PublicHoles: 18Reserve Advance Tee Times: Yes...

Splash Amarillo

This 14-acre water park offers cooling rides for summer visitors including a wave pool, speed slide, flume slides, a lazy riv...

Hubbard Creek Lake Fishing Report

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT ACCURATE FISHING REPORTS: This is just to remind you that fishing reports are given with the best inten...