Kilgore in Gregg County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

The New Deal Era in Kilgore

Photographed by Brian Anderson, February 17, 2025

1. The New Deal Era in Kilgore Marker

Inscription. After the discovery of oil here in the 1930s, this site was transformed into a makeshift tent city by thousands of people displaced by a deepening national depression. In an effort to control growth, city officials chose this site as the focus of an ambitious public works program in 1934. The park project, which included extensive rock work, was influenced by the planning and foresight of other Federal "New Deal" projects underway in Kilgore at the time (Kilgore Public Library and Kilgore College Administration Building). The park project was finished about 1936.

Erected 1993 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 9983.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Parks & Recreational Areas.

Location. 32° 23.046′ N, 94° 52.255′ W. Marker is in Kilgore, Texas, in Gregg County. It is at the intersection of East North Street and Knowles Street, on the right when traveling north on East North Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Kilgore TX 75662, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and in the Piney Woods.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Allis-Chalmers Pumps (within shouting distance of this marker); First Baptist Church of Kilgore (about 600 feet away, measured in a

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direct line); St. Luke's United Methodist Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Site of Alexander Institute (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Presbyterian Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Kilgore National Bank Building (approx. 0.3 miles away); Removal (approx. 0.4 miles away); During Drilling (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kilgore.

Photographed by Brian Anderson, February 17, 2025

2. The New Deal Era in Kilgore Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on February 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 22, 2025, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio. This page has been viewed 189 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 22, 2025, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio.