Wildcatters have a romantic intrigue with BOOMTOWNS.
BOOMTOWNS are communities that undergo a rapid population growth as the result of some recent successful economic activity in the area.
Often times, this economic activity is related to the discovery of oil, gold, silver, or other precious resources.
Although the conditions of a BOOMTOWN are usually less than pleasant because of the lack of services and infrastructure, Wildcatters gravitate toward the spirit of success and opportunity in these towns.
If a town is booming, then money is being made!!
Early American BOOMTOWNS popped up in California during the mid-nineteenth century, after the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill.
Although now a major metropolitan area, San Francisco was originally a gold rush BOOMTOWN that increased in population from 500 people in 1847 to an astounding 150,000 citizens by 1870.
Texas was littered with BOOMTOWNS during the early 20th century as major oil discoveries captured the imaginations of adventurers and profit seekers.
Discovery of the Spindletop Oil Field in 1901 caused the population of Beaumont, Texas to increase from 9,000 people to 50,000 people in a matter of six short months.
With the recent insurgence of the oil industry, modern day BOOMTOWNS have popped up in places like Cotulla, Texas in the Eagle Ford Shale Play, as well as Williston, North Dakota in the Bakken Play.
Located in the heart of the Permian Basin in West Texas, the city of Midland, Texas is currently experiencing the growing pains associated with a BOOMTOWN.
While an ordinary man in these BOOMTOWNS might just see traffic jams and long lines in the grocery store, a Wildcatter sees OPPORTUNITY!!!