How a Texas town accidentally sparked an oil boom and became a global cheerleading hub

Countries & Cities · Published 15 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Founded in 1848, Corsicana, Texas, transformed from an agribusiness center into a pivotal site for the oil industry after a chance discovery in 1894. Today, this city of 25,109 people is equally famous for its historic fruitcake bakery and a world-renowned cheerleading program that gained international fame through a popular docuseries.

The history of Corsicana is defined by unexpected industrial shifts. In June 1894, the American Well and Prospecting Company was drilling for water when oil unexpectedly seeped into the well. This accidental find led to the first commercially significant oilfield in Texas. By January 1899, the city had an operational refinery. Crucially, the town also pioneered rotary drilling technology, which was originally designed for water wells but became a cornerstone of the global oil industry.

Beyond its industrial roots, Corsicana has cultivated a unique cultural identity. The city is home to the Collin Street Bakery, which has produced fruitcakes since 1896, and it was once the headquarters for Tradewest, the company behind classic video games like Double Dragon. Downtown, the city maintains a commitment to the arts, featuring the Warehouse Living Arts Center and the Palace Theater, alongside a historic library established in 1901 with support from Andrew Carnegie.

In recent years, Corsicana has gained international attention through Navarro College. The school's cheerleading team, led by coach Monica Aldama since 2000, has secured 14 division championships and five Grand National titles. Their rigorous preparation for the National Cheerleaders Association championships was the focus of the 2020 Netflix docuseries Cheer, placing the city's academic and athletic community in the global spotlight.

The city's geography also plays a significant role in its character. Located 50 miles southeast of Dallas, Corsicana sits near the Richland Chambers Reservoir, the third-largest lake by surface area in Texas. While the economy has moved away from its reliance on oil and gas, the city remains a hub for major employers like Russell Stover Candies and Guardian Industries, maintaining a steady, diverse presence within the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex.

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