Little is known about Sour Lake in early days except the lore and legend of local Indians who were aware of oil and gas seeping to the surface.  Stephen Jackson “discovered” Sour Lake when he happened upon the lake and stopped for a drink.  After swallowing, Jackson thought he had been poisoned. However when, instead of showing ill effects, he became invigorated, he concluded the waters were medicinal.  Thereafter, Sour Lake Springs became a popular health resort attracting health-seekers. It was known for its mud baths.  An attempt to drill for oil in Sour Lake was made – unsuccessfully – in 1866.  But the discovery of oil at Spindletop in 1901 brought renewed interest in prospecting for oil in Sour Lake. In 1902, a major oil discovery was made transforming the peaceful resort town into a rowdy boomtown. In 1903, a well was drilled by The Texas Company. It laid the foundation for what was to later become Texaco.  Gulf Oil, later Chevron and Magnolia Petroleum, later Mobil also had operations in Sour Lake.

Liberty, Texas: The Atascosito Historical Society, 1995. 1st edition. 224 pages. Hardcover book with dustjacket,  The book is FINE.  The dustjacket is VERY GOOD with minor chipping to the edges and wear at the point the inside flaps fold over.