History of Big Lake Texas begins with a rare water source, ranching families, railroad tracks, oil discovery, county government, and West Texas growth. The city sits in Reagan County along U.S. Highway 67. Because of that location, Big Lake became a key stop between ranch country and oilfield development.
Native peoples lived and traveled across this dry West Texas region long before permanent settlement. Therefore, Big Lake’s story reaches beyond railroads.
Big Lake took its name from a large water-filled depression south of town. As a result, geography shaped local identity.
The lake held rare fresh water between major regional sources. Because of that, people and animals valued the area.
The Coates family settled west of the lake in 1905. Meanwhile, the Taylor family took land on the east side.
Reagan County organized before Big Lake became the county seat. Therefore, early government first centered at nearby Stiles.
T. H. Taylor sold land to the Kansas City, Mexico and Orient Railway in 1911. As a result, a townsite formed.
Early Big Lake used a boxcar as its first depot. Additionally, a hotel and stores opened near the tracks.
Railroad stock pens helped hold cattle for shipment. Because of that, Big Lake served ranching families across the area.
The railway built through Big Lake in 1912. Therefore, travel, shipping, mail, and business became easier.
Big Lake gained a post office in 1912. As a result, the new railroad town became more established.
The first public school opened with about fifteen students. Meanwhile, education helped families build a more permanent community.
By fall 1915, only forty to fifty people lived in Big Lake. Still, the town had begun forming.
Oil was discovered near Big Lake on May 28, 1923. Because of that, the town’s future changed quickly.
Santa Rita No. 1 opened the Big Lake oilfield. Therefore, Reagan County became important to Permian Basin oil history.
Cafes, hardware stores, lumberyards, hotels, and services expanded after oil arrived. As a result, Big Lake grew fast.
Big Lake residents voted to incorporate on August 15, 1923. Therefore, local government formed during the oil boom.
Big Lake became Reagan County’s seat in 1925. Meanwhile, older Stiles lost its earlier county-seat role.
Big Lake reached about 1,500 residents by 1927. Additionally, growth continued as oil activity supported more work.
The Great Depression reduced Big Lake’s population and business activity. However, the town remained tied to the oil industry.
During the 1930s and 1940s, Big Lake served nearby oilfields. Because of that, service businesses became important.
Oil production in the Spraberry Trend began in Reagan County in 1951. As a result, Big Lake saw renewed growth.
U.S. Highway 67 and State Highway 137 kept Big Lake connected. Therefore, road travel supported trade, schools, and oilfield work.
Ranching stayed important around Big Lake despite oil growth. Meanwhile, livestock and open land remained part of local life.
Modern Big Lake still reflects ranching, oilfield work, highways, schools, and county government. Still, its lake name remains historic.
Big Lake’s history matters because it explains how water, railroads, and oil shaped a West Texas county seat. Today, that story remains central to local pride.
City of Big Lake Official Website
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Reagan County Official Website
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Texas State Historical Association: Big Lake, TX
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Texas Almanac: Big Lake
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Texas State Historical Association: Reagan County
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Reagan County Museum
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Portal to Texas History: Big Lake Search
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Portal to Texas History: Reagan County Search
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Texas Historical Commission Atlas Search
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Texas Time Travel: Reagan County Search
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University of Texas: Santa Rita No. 1 History
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