This Week in Auto Heritage

On January 10, 1901, a drilling derrick at Spindletop Hill near Beaumont, Texas, produced a "gusher" of crude oil, coating the surrounding area and signaling the start of the American oil industry.

After this discovery, petroleum, which had only been used in the U.S. as a lubricant or in kerosene for lamps, would become the primary fuel source for new inventions like cars and airplanes. Eventually, coal-powered forms of transportation, such as ships and trains, would also begin using the liquid fuel.

Over the course of 1901, more than 285 active wells became operational at Spindletop and an estimated 500 oil and land companies were established, including some familiar giants still in business today: Humble (later Exxon), the Texas Company (Texaco) and Magnolia Petroleum Company (Mobil).

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Events Coming to the MotorCities

Sunday: "Rosie the Riveter" Presentation at the Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society in Eastpointe

This Sunday at 2 p.m., the Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society in Eastpointe presents “Rosie the Riveter,” a presentation by historian Bailey Sisoy Isgro.

Sisoy Isgro is the owner of Detroit History Tours and the proprietress of the Detroit History Club. Admission to the event will be offered by donation to the museum.

For more information, click here.

Sunday: "America's Anthems" Lecture at the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners

The Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners continues its Winter Lecture Series with “America’s Anthems,” a presentation about some of America’s historic music such as "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," "America the Beautiful," and "The Star-Spangled Banner." The presenter will be Cameron S. Brown, President of the Kalamazoo Abraham Lincoln Institute.

Each event is a free for Museum members, included with admission for Museum guests visiting that day, or $5 for those just attending the lecture.

For more information, click here.