Foster, Lafayette Lumpkin

A state representative, 1885-1886; speaker of the house, 1885-1886. President of Texas A. & M., 1898-1901. Appointed by Gov. James S. Hogg to newly-formed commission, created to regulate shipping rates and practices. In his term, 1891-1895, transportation of petroleum became important to Texas railways. Oil and gas regulation, a major responsibility, began in 1917 with jurisdiction over pipelines. The Legislature made the commission responsible in 1919 for oil and gas conservation. Proration began in the 1920s. Complete regulation in east Texas, and use of martial law to enforce commission rules. Commission policies were acclaimed when in World War II Texas was able to supply the allies with great stores of oil necessary for victory. The commission's goal is to prevent waste and protect oil and gas reserves by orderly regulation of exploration, production and transportation. Such men as Commissioner Foster set high ethical standards that still prevail, causing the commission to merit the confidence of the people and of the petroleum industry.

Foster, Lafayette Lumpkin is a historical marker in Groesbeck, Limestone County, dedicated in 1966. It is one of 67 historical markers documented in Limestone County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 187 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 31.5226, -96.5353 near Groesbeck. The nearest cataloged historic site is Limestone County Courthouse (courthouse), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Groesbeck Lodge No. 354, A.F. & A.M., First Baptist Church of Groesbeck, and Groesbeck Independent School District.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5293002522. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.