Final answer:
Before the oil boom, East Texas's major natural resource was its fertile agricultural land, particularly in the 'Cotton Belt,' which allowed for extensive cotton plantations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Major Natural Resource in East Texas Before Oil
Prior to the discovery and commercialization of oil, the major natural resource in East Texas was the fertile land ideal for agriculture. This region was part of the broader "Eastern Woodlands," celebrated for its lush environment that supported a variety of plant and animal life. Settlers and indigenous peoples alike benefited from rich soil, abundant wildlife, and favorable agricultural conditions. Notably, the 'Cotton Belt' flourished, especially after the perfection and distribution of 'Petit Gulf' cotton by the end of the 1830s. The vast, arable land allowed for the establishment of extensive cotton plantations. However, as fossil fuel exploration began, oil eventually replaced agriculture as the dominant economic driver in the area.
Before the discovery of oil, the major natural resource in East Texas was timber. The region was covered in dense forests, providing an abundant supply of lumber for construction, fuel, and other purposes. The trees in East Texas, such as pine and oak, were highly valued for their quality and versatility.