Kilgore's fortunes changed dramatically on October 3, 1930, when wildcatter Columbus M. "Dad" Joiner struck oil near the neighboring town of Henderson. This well, known as the Daisy Bradford #3, marked the discovery of the vast East Texas Oilfield. Seemingly overnight Kilgore was transformed from a small farming town on the decline into a bustling boom town. The Daisy Bradford #3 was subsequently followed by the Lou Della Crim No. 1 and many others.[4] By 1936, the population had increased to more than 12,000 and Kilgore's skyline was crowded with oil derricks.
![Kilgore's fortunes changed dramatically on October 3, 1930, when wildcatter Columbus M. "Dad" Joiner struck oil near the neighboring town of Henderson. This well, known as the Daisy Bradford #3, marked the discovery of the vast East Texas Oilfield. Seemingly overnight Kilgore was transformed from a small farming town on the decline into a bustling boom town. The Daisy Bradford #3 was subsequently followed by the Lou Della Crim No. 1 and many others.[4] By 1936, the population had increased to more than 12,000 and Kilgore's skyline was crowded with oil derricks.](https://photos.smugmug.com/SCPC-Field-Trips-SUGs/Field-Trips/i-QvGV2xS/0/0e4bd364/S/KilgoreOilDerricks-160723-636-Edit-Edit-S.jpg)
![Kilgore's fortunes changed dramatically on October 3, 1930, when wildcatter Columbus M. "Dad" Joiner struck oil near the neighboring town of Henderson. This well, known as the Daisy Bradford #3, marked the discovery of the vast East Texas Oilfield. Seemingly overnight Kilgore was transformed from a small farming town on the decline into a bustling boom town. The Daisy Bradford #3 was subsequently followed by the Lou Della Crim No. 1 and many others.[4] By 1936, the population had increased to more than 12,000 and Kilgore's skyline was crowded with oil derricks.](https://photos.smugmug.com/SCPC-Field-Trips-SUGs/Field-Trips/i-XvC3xXk/0/5ace6c19/S/KilgoreOilDerricks-160723-648-Edit-S.jpg)
