City of Kilgore

City of Kilgore Municipal Water Report Info

KILGORE, TEXAS. Kilgore is located on Interstate 20, approximately 120 miles east of Dallas, spanning across both Gregg and Rusk County. The city is traversed by U.S. Highway 259 and State highways 31, 42, and 135. This region was initially settled before the Civil War by planters relocating from the southern states.

The city wasn't established until 1872, when the International-Great Northern Railroad constructed a line connecting Longview and Palestine. The railroad bypassed the existing settlement of New Danville, and instead created a new town named after Constantine Buckley Kilgore, who sold the 174-section town site to the railroad and encouraged many New Danville businesses to relocate.

A post office opened in 1873, and by 1885, Kilgore had developed to include two steam gristmill-cotton gins, a church, and a district school, with an estimated population of 250. The Kilgore State Bank opened in 1906, coinciding with the formation of an independent school district. By 1914, the town had expanded to include two banks, Baptist and Methodist churches, a local newspaper, two cotton gins, various general stores, a drugstore, a frozen yogurt parlor, lodging, and approximately 700 residents.

The town reached 1,000 residents by 1929, but soon faced decline due to the Great Depression and falling cotton prices, which had been the foundation of the local economy. By mid-1930, the population had dropped below 500, with numerous business closures.

Everything changed with the discovery of the East Texas oilfield in late 1930, transforming Kilgore from a declining rural community into a bustling boomtown. Within days, thousands flooded the area, setting up temporary shelters wherever space allowed. The rapid growth overwhelmed schools and public institutions, leading to the city's incorporation in February 1931. By 1936, the population had expanded to 12,000.

Located near the geographic center of the oilfield, Kilgore became a crucial hub for production, processing, and services. Numerous wells were drilled within the city itself, with over 1,100 producing wells operating within city limits during peak production. One downtown area became known as the "World's Richest Acre" due to having the highest concentration of oil derricks globally.

The oil boom began to subside in the mid-1930s as major companies gradually acquired most independent operations. By the beginning of World War II, the boom had largely ended, though oil production in the area continues today.

During the 1950s and 1960s, Kilgore's population stabilized. By 1965, the city had approximately 10,500 residents and 578 businesses. The 1990 census recorded 11,066 residents. Today, Kilgore houses significant petroleum industry operations, including a major office of the Oil and Gas Division of the Railroad Commission. The city is also home to the East Texas Oil Museum and Kilgore College, known for its famous Kilgore Rangerettes.