As you drive to 1301 S Henderson and onto the campus of Kilgore College, make time for one of the most memorable stops on the tour, the East Texas Oil Museum. This museum brings the 1930s oil boom to life, beginning with the discovery of the East Texas Oil Field and the dramatic changes it sparked across the region. Inside, you will find dioramas, historical artifacts, films, and immersive sound presentations that capture the sights and energy of the Gusher Age.
One of the highlights is Boomtown, USA, a full scale recreation of a 1930s oil boomtown with rutted streets and period storefronts. You can stroll past places like the Arp General Store and the Overton Drugstore, step into the Gusher Gazette newspaper office, and even visit a small movie theater within the exhibit. Authentic antiques and detailed displays tell the story of independent oilmen, wildcatters, and working families whose lives were transformed by the boom, while also explaining the geology and science behind oil production. The reach of the East Texas Oil Field extended far beyond the region, providing vital petroleum resources during World War II and helping support the Allied war effort.
While you are on campus, you are also standing at the birthplace of a famous Texas tradition, the Kilgore College Rangerettes. Formed in 1940, they became the first collegiate precision dance drill team in the world. Under the leadership of founder Gussie Nell Davis, their high kicks, crisp formations, and showmanship reshaped halftime entertainment. Their training home is the gym named for longtime director Deana Bolton Covin, filled with memorabilia, costumes, and photographs that trace decades of performances, from local parades to national stages such as the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade and presidential inaugurations. Visiting here is more than a look at a rehearsal space, it is a chance to step into the origin of an American performance tradition.
Before you leave campus, take a short walk to the Shakespeare Garden, a peaceful oasis open to the public. Located across from the Texas Shakespeare Festival headquarters, the garden features more than thirty varieties of plants and trees mentioned in Shakespeare’s plays. Fragrant roses, lavender, and other labeled plantings invite you to slow down, stroll the paths, and enjoy the blend of horticulture and literature. Maintained by local volunteers, the garden supports the nearby festival and offers a quiet, reflective space for students, visitors, and theater lovers alike.
