Glenn McCarthy facts for kids

Glenn Herbert McCarthy (born December 25, 1907 – died December 26, 1988) was a famous American oil tycoon. People often called him "Diamond Glenn" or "The King of the Wildcatters." He was an oil explorer and a businessman who owned many different types of companies.

McCarthy became nationally famous for building the Shamrock Hotel in Houston. His life even inspired a character named Jett Rink in the 1952 novel Giant by Edna Ferber. This book later became a movie in 1956, starring James Dean.

Glenn McCarthy's Early Life

Glenn McCarthy was born in Beaumont, Texas. This was about seven years after a huge oil discovery at a place called Spindletop. His father, Will McCarthy, worked in the oil fields.

From the age of eight, young Glenn helped the oil workers, called roughnecks. He carried water for them and earned 50 cents a day. When an oil drilling boom started near Houston, his family moved there. His father found work in the new oil fields.

School and First Steps in Business

At 17, McCarthy joined the U.S. Navy. After that, he returned to San Jacinto High School. He went to Tulane University on a football scholarship, but he hurt his leg. He also attended Texas A&M University and Rice University.

However, he decided to leave college early to start his own businesses. When he was 23, McCarthy married 16-year-old Faustine Lee. Her father was a partner in a big oil company.

McCarthy's Oil Discoveries

Glenn McCarthy convinced his father and brother to drill for oil with him. Their first try in Hardin County, Texas, did not work. But two years later, they tried again closer to Anahuac, Texas, and they found oil!

Between 1931 and 1942, McCarthy found oil 38 different times. This was a huge success. In 1941, he bought land where the famous Astrodome was later built. He also bought about 4,800 acres (19 km2) of land that is now Sharpstown, Texas. During the 1940s, he started 11 new oil fields and made several others much bigger.

Becoming a Famous Oil Millionaire

"Diamond Glenn" became very well-known across the country. People were interested in his exciting personality and his story of going from poor to rich. The media sometimes loved him and sometimes criticized him. But his image helped create the idea of the "Texas oil millionaire." He was seen as a charming, lucky, and bold businessman.

Building the Shamrock Hotel

In 1949, McCarthy built the amazing Shamrock Hotel in Houston. He spent $21 million to build this very fancy hotel. He then threw what people called "Houston's biggest party" for the hotel's grand opening. Many Hollywood celebrities came to the party. McCarthy even flew many of them into Houston Municipal Airport on a special Boeing 307 Stratoliner airplane he had bought from Howard Hughes.

Like many oil explorers, McCarthy took big risks with his money. He started many different businesses, which led to times when he had a lot of money and times when he had less. In 1952, he had to sell the Shamrock Hotel. But McCarthy did not give up. He reorganized his businesses and kept going.

McCarthy's Many Businesses

Glenn McCarthy owned many different companies. These included the KXYZ radio station in Houston and two banks. He also owned a bar and a brand of bourbon called "Wildcatter." His businesses also included the McCarthy Chemical Company, a magazine, and a movie production company called Glenn McCarthy Productions. He was also the chairman of the former Eastern Air Lines and president of the United States Petroleum Association.

Later Years and Legacy

In his later career, Glenn McCarthy avoided being in the public eye. He lived with his wife in the La Porte area, near Galveston, Texas. He had four daughters and one son, Glenn Jr.

Glenn McCarthy passed away on December 26, 1988, in Houston, Texas. This was just one day after his 81st birthday.