KILGORE

city, on the GreggRusk county line, northeastern Texas, U.S. The city is part of the LongviewKilgoreGladewaterTyler oil complex in the middle of the East Texas oil field. In 1871 Judge C.B. Kilgore settled the site, which was then the terminus of the Missouri Pacific Railroad. Lumber and cotton became the chief sources of income, but, after the discovery of the vast East Texas pool in 1930, Kilgore became an oil-producing and supply centre with more than 1,000 derricks within the city limits. While a petroleum-based economy still prevails, some manufacturing (notably of plumbing fixtures and clothing) has also developed. Kilgore (junior) College (1935) is nationally known for its Rangerette precision drill and dance team. The East Texas Treatment Center for the Physically Handicapped (1962) is on the grounds of the city's Laird Memorial Hospital. Inc. 1931. Pop. (1990) 11,066.