General-

Located on a salt dome in Chambers County, the community was established in 1849 known as Barbers Hill.  Postal authorities suggested a name change to Mont Belvieu to avoid confusion with other offices of similar names.  The community lay quietly as a center for farming and cattle-raising until oil was discovered there in 1916.  Though this early discovery was of limited dimensions, land lease speculators quickly grabbed up leases, buying and selling at a frenzy.  In 1926, wildcatter Mills Bennett tapped into the first gusher production.  The salt-dome storage capabilities were initiated in the 1950s and expanded.  Today products processed though the grand underground caverns are shipped world wide, providing the life-blood for nearly all of the petrochemical industry.  On I-10 the city is closely tied to the Houston-Baytown area.

Mont Belvieu-Barbers Hill Museum-

Located in the city complex and it is built around a topographical exhibit depicting Barbers Hill as it might have been in the 1920s and 1930s.   Featured in the many displays are photographs and artifacts from early settlers, the ranching days, the oil industry, and much more.  Open Tues. and Thurs., 10am - 2pm, Sat 10 am - 2 pm.  From I-10, take exit 800 north on FM 3180 to the city complex at the corner of FM 565 and FM 3180.  For information, call 281/385-1706.