World's Richest Acre Park in Kilgore
Forest Trail Region
On part of one downtown block, about 1.2 acres, once stood the greatest concentration of oil wells in the world, producing more than 2.5 million barrels of oil. All but one were dismantled in the early 1960s. The original derrick and 36 new ones, a restored pumpjack, a granite monument to the pioneer oil families of East Texas, and brick walkways make the park a monument to the oil boom of 1930s. A historical marker gives details. One well was drilled through the terrazzo floor of the Kilgore National Bank that once stood on site. The main derrick and several other derricks are capped with lighted stars during the Christmas season, sparking the city's nickname "City of Stars."