Population: 1,299 The first oil well in North Louisiana was drilled here in 1904. By 1910 almost 25,000 people had arrived hoping to strike it rich in the oil fields. The next year, the first oil well over water was drilled in Caddo Lake and the mad 'oil rush' was on.

This became the first "wildcat town" in the Ark-La-Tex. Reno Hill, a 10-acre red light district, gave the town a notorious reputation. In one year's time, oil-saturated property leased by major oil companies and private individuals jumped from 50 cents to $500 an acre. Thus was born Oil City. Oil City Gusher Day is held the third Saturday in May.