About this episode

Joe Pappalardo discusses the chaotic history of Borger, Texas during the oil boom of the 1920s.

Author Joe Pappalardo unpacks Boomtown, the true story of Borger, Texas, where an oil rush quickly gave way to corruption and violence. Just a year after it was founded, the town became a haven for bootleggers, gamblers and organized crime. Pappalardo explains how the chaos drew national attention and ultimately brought in legendary Texas Ranger Frank Hamer.

People in this episode

Hosts: Roger Goldman, Kevin Kennedy

Guest: Joe Pappalardo

Topics covered

• Texas oil boom
• corruption
• organized crime
• history
• bootlegging
• violence

Keywords

• oil boom
• Borger
• Texas Ranger
• corruption
• violence
• bootleggers
• gamblers
• organized crime

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Borger, Texas

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