What was Spindletop?
If one had asked a Beaumonter on January 1, 1901, what big news of recent months had most interested him, he would have said the great Galveston hurricane of September 8, or the dawning of a new century. If one had asked him on January 10, he would have said the great gusher at Spindletop - a salt dome about three miles south of Beaumont. Dubbed "The Lucas Gusher," the oil discovery on Spindletop Hill changed the economy of Texas and helped to usher in the petroleum age. Read more.
About Gladys CityOriginally platted out by Patillo Higgins in the 1890s, Gladys City was to be a perfect industrial city, featuring factories, schools, churches, homes, parks and businesses. When the Lucas Gusher blew in on January 10, 1901, there was no more time to be perfect. Businessmen (and some women) arrived and started building as quickly as possible to begin servicing oilfield workers and their families. By the early 1970s, nothing much remained of the original Gladys City - situated near Highland Avenue and West Port Arthur Road. In 1976, the re-created Gladys City was built as a Bicentennial project. Once completed, Gladys City was gifted to the state and is now governed by Lamar University. Through a self-guided tour, visitors to Gladys City experience 15 replica buildings filled with objects from the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries that depict life during the first Spindletop oil boom. From a saloon and post office to a general store and livery stable, visitors get a glimpse of what it might have been like to work and live in the historic oilfield.
OUR PURPOSE Gladys City complements and enhances the educational, social and cultural mission of Lamar University, a member of the Texas State University System, through the collection, preservation and interpretation of artifacts, representative structures, and other items of social and cultural significance to Spindletop, 1892-1951. OUR VISION We aspire to be the educational and cultural leader in the preservation of Spindletop history. OUR MISSION Gladys City kindles the wildcatter spirit in everyone through rich, shared experiences inspired by the history, significance and legacy of Spindletop. OUR VALUES We take seriously our role as stewards of the historical record as it relates to Spindletop and Gladys City. We work daily to improve the overall image of the museum through our interactions with stakeholders and the messages we communicate to the public. We strive to develop meaningful working relationships with all stakeholders, including Lamar University students, faculty and staff; advisors and advocates; the community at-large; other museum professionals; and current and potential donors. We plan for the long-term viability and sustainability of the museum. We enhance the visitor experience through improved environments, customer service and operations. We are open-minded and seek out new opportunities while remaining true to the museum’s overall mission and goals. We value transparency and uphold the highest levels of ethical and professional behavior. IT'S EPIC!The story of America’s first, great oil discovery at Spindletop on January 10, 1901, is an epic story of big dreams, calculated risks, huge failures and hard-fought success. After 110 years, the legacy of Spindletop continues to inspire new generations and impact lives.
Working for the past 35 years to maintain the fifteen buildings, visitors center and grounds that comprise the Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown has also been epic task for both museum staff and Lamar University. You can help by becoming a volunteer. To learn more, check out our 'Get Involved' page or come to our next Volunteer Orientation. |
Spindletop-Gladys City Boomtown Museum
Physical Address: 5550 University Drive Beaumont, TX 77705 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 10070 Beaumont, TX 77710 409.880.1750 info@gladyscity.org Memorial Day
The museum will be open on Memorial Day - Monday, May 28 - from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last admission at 4:20 p.m.
Memorial Day also marks the start of our participation in the Blue Star Museums program, which is sponsored by the National Endowment for the Humanities. The program provides free admission to active duty military personnel, including reservists, and their immediate families (spouses and children). Just present a current military I.D. at the museum gift shop and enjoy your visit! June 9, 2012, 1 p.m.
In June, "Let's Get Wild!" at Wildcatter Weekend! We will celebrate Great Outdoors Month with fun activities that get families outdoors exploring nature! Special admission only $2 for children 5-12 from 1-4 p.m., and parents and grandparents get in FREE with paid children's admission. Plus, we'll blow the gusher at 4 p.m.
NEW THIS SUMMER! Gladys City Conservation Corps
The Gladys City Conservation Corps is an opportunity for young adults to learn more about the history of Spindletop and Beaumont while assisting the museum director with basic artifact conservation, including cleaning, cataloging, inventorying and preparing artifacts for display and storage. Volunteers may earn between four and 20 service hours during two week-long sessions in June and/or July. Participants should be 15 years old or older and have an interest in helping to preserve a part of Beaumont's history. (Arrangements for younger participants may be available with parental consent.)
SESSION ONE: June 18-22, 8 a.m.-Noon SESSION TWO: July 16-20, 8 a.m.-Noon Participants must attend a 90-minute orientation on the first day of each session, which will count toward their service hours. For more information, please call 409-880-1762. |
