Lamar University Spindletop Gladys City Boomtown Museum

What is 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.

Lucas Gusher Re-enactment Schedule

The Lucas Gusher gave up its riches for nine days before Anthony Lucas and the Hamill brothers could get the well under control. We re-create the gusher using water and only run it for about 2 minutes. But it is always fun to watch how high the water will blow and what direction the spray will take. It is always free to enjoy the gusher re-enactment. Regular admission fees apply to museum entrance.

Upcoming Dates & Times:
TIMES ARE APPROXIMATE AND SUBJECT TO CHANGE. WEATHER AND OTHER CIRCUMSTANCES MIGHT CAUSE CANCELLATIONS. CALL TO CONFIRM.

Friday, January 31 - 12:00 PM

Friday, February 07 - 11:00 AM

Wednesday, February 12 - 12:00 PM

Wednesday, February 19 - 12:00 PM

Saturday, February 29 - 1:00 PM

EVENTS

See our calendar for all events.

Blacksmith Classes

February 8

10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Take a class taught by our resident blacksmith Rob Flurry! We offer multiple types of classes for all skill levels from beginner to advanced. Call the museum at (409) 880-1750 or visit our facebook page for more information and to sign up.

Archaeology Lecture by Sarah Chesney

February 4

5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Join us in our Caroline Room and learn all about archaeology in Texas! Chesney is the site archaeologist at the San Felipe de Austin State Historic Site. She will highlight the important of archaeological excavation for better understanding of life in early San Felipe. Chesney will discuss her role in a new public archaeology program at the site and will bring artifacts to discuss with the audience.

Printing Day & Linotype Film Showing

February 29

1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

To celebrate Printing Day at the museum, join us at 1:00 PM to view a showing of Linotype: The Film. Popcorn and drinks will be provided by the Ben Rodgers Visitors Center. Afterwards, take a tour of our print shop and view a live demonstration of what printing in the 1900s what like by Lamb's Print Shop.