Luling, established in 1874, was once known as the toughest town in Texas. Originally founded as a railroad town and a rowdy center for cattle drivers along the Chisholm Trail, it was not highly recognized until Edgar B. Davis made a significant oil discovery. That find led to the opening of an oilfield 12 miles long and two miles wide, and the local economy quickly shifted from railroad and agriculture to almost entirely oil. The Luling Oil Field produced more than 15 million barrels of oil per year and remained the primary base of Luling's economy for more than 60 years. Luling is also known for barbecue, watermelon, farmers' markets, and the train, and it is part of the Guadalupe River Heritage Tour within the 10-county statutory district of the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority.