Oilton, Texas, Webb County. (original) (raw)

History in a Pecan Shell

The original name of the community was Torrecillas or "little towers.�

The community became a station on the Texas-Mexican Railway in 1881.

The town was near limestone rock outcroppings that were quarried and used in the construction of jetties in Corpus Christi Bay.

In 1900 Jos� M. Garc�a operated the only business in the settlement � a small store.

The population reached 40 in 1910 and the town received a post office in 1922. The name of the town was then officially changed to Oilton after oil deposits were discovered nearby. By 1930 the population was 150 and has since slowly increased to nearly 500 residents.

Webb County 1940s map showing Oilton on Texas-Mexican Railway
From Texas state map #4335
Courtesy Texas General Land Office

Texas Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories, landmarks and recent or vintage photos, please contact us.