In 1892, he formed the Gladys City Oil, Gas and Manufacturing Company, named after a local girl he admired, to drill at Spindletop. Early drilling attempts were unsuccessful, and Higgins eventually parted ways with the company. However, his determination inspired continued exploration. On January 10, 1901, Anthony Lucas's well struck oil at Spindletop, igniting the Texas Oil Boom. The gusher produced around 100,000 barrels a day, an unprecedented amount at the time. Higgins's foresight helped shape the future of American energy. He passed away on June 6, 1955, in San Antonio.