History & Culture

A New Kind of Park

Creation of the Preserve

Citizens, scientists, and grassroots organizations dedicated their work to establish federal protection for the park we enjoy today.

A Region Rich in Timber

Logging the Big Thicket

The 19th century saw the rise of logging in the Big Thicket.

The Oil Boom

Oil & Gas Industry History

The discovery of oil in southeast Texas lured workers and businesses to the Big Thicket region.

Living off the Landscape

Black History at Big Thicket

Following emancipation, formerly enslaved Blacks built communities in Big Thicket and lived off the land.

Activist, Author, Artist, & Ranger

Geraldine Watson

Read more about Geraldine Watson, whose passion and expertise helped establish Big Thicket National Preserve.

Mr. Big Thicket

Lance Rosier

Read more about the famed naturalist nicknamed "Mr. Big Thicket."