RANGER

Population 2,759

Altitude 1,429

General

When the oil boom towns are recalled, Ranger often leads the list. It was a quiet rural community established near a Texas Ranger camp in the 1870s. In October 1917 a gusher blew in and touched off one of the greatest booms in petroleum history.McCleskey No !. web site During World War I demand for oil was at an all time high. The lure of instant riches was irresistible, the town erupted with every find of frenzied activity. In one year population exploded form 1,000 to 30,000. small farmers became millionaires. Four railroads raced to complete lines and one railroad's receipts jumped from $94,000 to $8,000,000 in two years. As in most instances, the boom was short lived and today there is no evidence of that bigger than life era. Oil activity is evident in orderly fields, while farming and ranching is major interest of area citizens. Ranger Junior College is here.

Attractions

MCCLESKY NUMBER 1 - Site of 1,700 barrel per day oil gusher that touched off Ranger's fantastic oil boom in 12917. Marked by granite monument at T&P depot downtown.
PARKS - Two city maintained parks with shaded picnic facilities, playground equipment, swimming pool, and lighted tennis court.
ROARING RANGER MUSEUM - Artifacts and abundant photos of city's oil boom days, housed in old depot. Also chamber of commerce office Commerce and Main streets downtown.

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This file was last modified Thursday, 12-Oct-95 01:44:55