History & Memorial

An Oilfield Town

New London sits in northwest Rusk County, in the heart of the East Texas oilfield. After C. M. “Dad” Joiner’s discovery well came in near Henderson in October 1930, the region boomed, and New London’s school district became one of the wealthiest rural districts in the country. The community incorporated as a city in 1963 and is served today by West Rusk ISD.

March 18, 1937

On the afternoon of March 18, 1937, natural gas that had collected unnoticed beneath the London School ignited, destroying the building. Approximately 300 students and teachers lost their lives; published counts range from about 295 to more than 311. Rescuers — families, neighbors and oilfield workers — came from across East Texas and beyond.

The gas had no odor, and no one knew it was there. In response, the Texas Legislature passed a law requiring that a distinctive odorant be added to natural gas used commercially and industrially — the familiar smell that now warns people of leaks around the world.

A cenotaph of Texas pink granite, designed by architect Donald S. Nelson with sculpture by Herring Coe, was dedicated in 1939 in front of the rebuilt school, on State Highway 42.

This page is offered with respect for the families and the community. Visitors are asked to treat the memorial and museum as places of remembrance.