Getting enough fresh water to the right place has always been a challenge in South Texas. With the population and business investments growing, this demand surged as the year 1900 approached. Locals searched for prime locations to drill artesian wells—wells deep enough that the pressure would make water flow without the use of a pump. For some, this meant drilling over 700 feet underground.
The struggle was not just for those trying to grow a more densely populated city of Corpus Christi—ranches also needed fresh water for animals and to facilitate travel across the long expanses of ranchland. Richard King wrote, “Where I have grass, I have no water. And where I have water, I have no grass.” The empire he built was done without the benefit of artesian wells.
The first successful artesian well on King Ranch was witnessed by King’s son-in-law Robert J. Kleberg and his widow Henrietta King on June 6, 1899. Kleberg reportedly cried as he watched the water flow at a steady 75 gallons a minute. He undoubtedly believed more would be found, resolving his freshwater issues and unlocking enormous potential for the land he had dedicated his life to.
By 1903, King Ranch had 52 artesian wells. More development was on the horizon, including the ability to extend the railroad through South Texas, fence pastures, irrigate crops and expand into the citrus industry—thanks largely to the availability of fresh water.
