Oil & Gas Drilling in East Texas : Spotlight on Anderson and Cherokee Counties

East Texas has long been a cornerstone of the U.S. oil and gas industry, with Anderson and Cherokee Counties playing significant roles in the region’s energy legacy. Rooted in the prolific East Texas Oil Field and bolstered by modern drilling technologies, these counties continue to contribute to Texas’s oil and gas production. Here’s a look at the current landscape, historical context, and future potential of oil and gas drilling in Anderson and Cherokee Counties.
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Historical Context

The East Texas Oil Field, discovered in 1930 by Columbus Marion “Dad” Joiner in Rusk County, revolutionized the industry and extends into northeastern Cherokee County. Spanning Gregg, Rusk, Upshur, Smith, and Cherokee Counties, this field has produced over 5.2 billion barrels of oil from the Cretaceous-age Woodbine Formation, a shallow reservoir at about 3,500 feet. Cherokee County’s role in this historic field laid the foundation for its oil and gas activity, while Anderson County, with its own geological assets, emerged as a steady producer through formations like the Buda and Austin Chalk.
Anderson production

Current Activity in Anderson County

Anderson County ranks #144 in Texas for oil and gas production (November 2024), with 2,220 wells drilled from 1993 to 2024. In February 2025, the county produced 29,387 barrels of oil and 108,024 MCF (thousand cubic feet) of gas across 165 producing leases operated by 33 companies. Key operators include Anderson Energy Corporation and Eagle Oil & Gas Co., focusing on leases like the Temple Eastex and Wortham V.C. Recent drilling permits are limited, reflecting a mature field with steady but modest output. The county’s production accounts for 0.01% of Texas’s oil and 0.02% of its gas, driven by conventional wells in formations like the Woodbine and Rodessa.
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Cherokee production

Current Activity in Cherokee County

Cherokee County ranks #109 statewide, with 2,700 wells drilled and 458 active wells as of November 2024. The county produced 769,983 barrels of oil in 2016, though recent data shows a shift toward gas, with 0.14% of Texas’s gas production compared to 0.01% of oil. Operators like BRG Lone Star Ltd., Buffco Production, and XTO Energy manage key leases, targeting the Woodbine Formation and the gas-rich Jurassic Haynesville Shale. With 1,700 permits on file, Cherokee sees more drilling activity than Anderson, supported by 34 operators. The county’s proximity to the East Texas Oil Field drives continued interest, though production is modest compared to giants like the Permian Basin.
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Technological Advances

Modern drilling in both counties leverages horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing, particularly in the Haynesville Shale in Cherokee County. These technologies unlock deeper gas reserves, extending the life of mature fields. The Texas Railroad Commission’s Public GIS Viewer provides detailed well locations and permit data, showing active sites in both counties. Direct Lithium Extraction (DLE) techniques, while focused on lithium in nearby counties, share infrastructure with oil and gas, potentially reducing costs for brine-related operations in Anderson’s salt dome structures.
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Economic and Community Impact

  • Anderson County: Oil and gas contribute to local revenue, with taxes supporting Palestine’s economy. The county’s 33 operators employ locals, though job numbers are modest due to automation. Historical salt domes, like Concord and Elkhart, hint at untapped potential for brine or storage projects.
  • Cherokee County: With more active wells, Cherokee sees greater economic activity, centered in Rusk and Jacksonville. Operators engage communities through lease payments and jobs, though production taxes are a smaller share compared to the 1930s boom. Both counties benefit from established pipeline networks, easing transport to Gulf Coast refineries.
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Environmental Considerations

Drilling in Anderson and Cherokee Counties faces scrutiny over water use and seismic risks from fracking. Operators use closed-loop systems to minimize spills, and the Railroad Commission enforces strict well integrity rules. Community concerns, especially in Cherokee, focus on aquifer protection, given the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer’s importance. Advances in wastewater recycling and reduced flaring help mitigate impacts, but locals remain vigilant about land disturbance.
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Looking Ahead

Anderson and Cherokee Counties remain vital to East Texas’s energy story, balancing legacy production with modern innovation. Cherokee’s gas focus and Anderson’s steady oil output sustain local economies, while infrastructure supports emerging opportunities like lithium or geothermal energy. As global energy demand evolves, these counties could pivot toward hybrid models, cementing their role in Texas’s energy future. For real-time data, check the Texas Railroad Commission’s GIS Viewer.
Sources: Texas Railroad Commission, Texas Drilling, ShaleXP, Wikipedia, MineralAnswers
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