Date of Award
5-2024
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts - History
Department
History
First Advisor
Dr. Perky Beisel
Second Advisor
Dr. Dana Cooper
Third Advisor
Dr. Chay Runnels
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Scott Sosebee
Abstract
The discovery of the East Texas Oil Field in 1930 was a pivotal moment, reshaping the region’s economic and social dynamics. Mattie Castlebury emerged as a standout figure among the fervor of the oil boom, leaving an indelible mark on East Texas’ cultural identity. Castlebury’s story showcases resilience and resourcefulness as she navigated the challenges of the oil boom era. She established Mattie’s Ballroom, creating a bustling leisure and entertainment hub.Through her entrepreneurial strategies, Castlebury’s impact on the community is evident, shaping East Texas’ cultural fabric.
The “Women of the Boom” exhibition at the Kilgore College East Texas Oil Museum honors Castlebury and five other influential women in video format only. The proposed exhibition would be the first stand-alone display for the “Women of the Boom” to specifically detail one of these women in the museum’s main hall. Through curated images and concise textual interpretation, visitors explore Castlebury’s world, understanding her lasting legacy.
Castlebury’s story offers insights into East Texas’ history and entrepreneurial spirit. Her profound influence on the region’s cultural landscape during the oil boom era underscores her pivotal role in shaping its identity.
Repository Citation
Moore, Olivia L., "Mattie Castlebury: East Texas Oil Boom Legend" (2024). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 534.
https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/etds/534
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 License.
Included in
Other History Commons, Public History Commons, Social History Commons, United States History Commons, Women's History Commons
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