Moonshine Hill Plaque

Have you ever heard of Moonshine Hill? Right here, in the very spot where we stand, the legacy of this bustling boomtown lives on in the form of this plaque. The Moonshine Hill Historical Marker, unveiled in 1986, offers a glimpse into the area’s intriguing past. The story began in the late 19th century, with reports of natural gas seepages near the San Jacinto River. James Slaughter, a local resident, noticed these unique occurrences and, with the help of S.A. Hart, attempted to drill for the gas, but their endeavor proved unsuccessful. This area, now part of Humble, was once a flourishing community, thanks to the discovery of oil in 1904. The oil boom brought a wave of people to Moonshine Hill. Within a year, the population swelled to a staggering 10,000 residents. This period marked the town’s most vibrant era, with a diverse range of establishments bustling with activity – stores, saloons, hotels, and even a church and school. During World War I, the military presence had a significant impact on the community. The 19th Infantry from Fort Sam Houston were stationed at Moonshine Hill, leaving a lasting impression with the naming of nearby Belleau Woods Drive. However, after three significant oil booms and dwindling prospects, the town began to decline. Despite its fleeting existence – a mere 50 years – Moonshine Hill played a critical role in the economic development of Humble and Houston. Now, as you look around, remnants of the past remain. The humble wooden houses, the occasional antiquated fire hydrant, and the feeling of lawlessness all point to a rich and vibrant past – a past that may be fading, yet its memory endures in this historical marker.