Built in the early 1940s as wartime emergency infrastructure, the Big Inch and Little Big Inch pipelines carried oil from Texas to the East Coast when tanker shipments were too risky.
Why did these pipelines go from Texas to the East Coast?
At the time, German U-boats were sinking oil tankers along the Atlantic coast. These pipelines let the U.S. move oil safely overland instead. Honestly, this was a brilliant workaround—shipping by sea had become too dangerous, and the pipelines kept refineries running.
What’s the geographic route of these pipelines?
They stretch from Longview, Texas, all the way to Linden, New Jersey, cutting through six states: Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, and New Jersey. Now, you’d think such a long route would avoid big cities, but it actually passes through both ecologically sensitive areas and urban centers—no easy feat.
How long are the pipelines, and what do they carry?
The combined system runs 1,254 miles (2,018 km) and can move 340,000 barrels of oil per day. The Big Inch carries crude oil, while the Little Big Inch handles refined products like gasoline and diesel.
When were the pipelines built, and who owns them now?
Construction started in 1942 and wrapped up by 1944. As of 2026, Enterprise Products Partners LP and Energy Transfer own the pipelines, which are still fully operational and even part of the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve network.
What’s the difference between the Big Inch and Little Big Inch?
The Big Inch is the older sibling—it went live in 1943 and moves crude oil. The Little Big Inch followed in 1944, carrying refined products. The Big Inch is also wider, at 24 inches compared to the Little Big Inch’s 20 inches.
Why were they nicknamed the “Inch pipelines”?
Because their diameters were measured in inches—24 inches for the Big Inch and 20 inches for the Little Big Inch. It was a simple naming convention, but it stuck. (And honestly, it’s way catchier than calling them “the 1940s oil superhighways.”)
How fast were these pipelines built?
Unbelievably fast. Workers finished the project in just 15 months under the U.S. Department of Energy. That’s like building a skyscraper in the time it usually takes to plan one.
What role did these pipelines play during World War II?
They were a game-changer—or rather, a ship-saver. Before the pipelines, oil tankers were easy targets for German U-boats. The pipelines let the U.S. bypass the dangerous coastal waters entirely.
What happened to the pipelines after the war?
The Little Big Inch briefly carried natural gas in the late 1940s before switching back to oil in 1957. Some sections even got a second life as industrial heritage sites, like the 30-mile stretch in Kentucky now designated as a National Historic Landmark.
How did these pipelines change the oil industry?
They proved long-distance pipelines could work at scale. Before this, oil mostly moved in short wooden troughs or by rail. The Inch pipelines introduced welded steel and electric pumps, setting the standard for modern pipelines.
Can you visit any part of the pipelines today?
You can’t walk right up to the pipes, but you can see their footprint in a few places. The Texas Energy Museum in Beaumont offers a look at the oil industry’s roots, and parts of the route run parallel to I-20 and I-40 in Arkansas and Tennessee—visible from the road.
How are these pipelines monitored for safety today?
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency keeps tabs on them under the 2020 PIPES Act, requiring annual inspections and leak detection systems. There’s also a 50-foot safety buffer around above-ground valves and pumping stations, often marked with warning signs.
Are these pipelines still important today?
Absolutely. They’re still a key part of U.S. energy security, and they’ve gotten upgrades to meet modern standards for corrosion control and spill response. That 1940s infrastructure is still pulling its weight over 80 years later.
What’s the historical significance of these pipelines?
They’re a prime example of how wartime needs can push innovation. Without them, the East Coast might’ve faced severe fuel shortages during WWII. Today, sections are preserved as industrial landmarks, reminding us how critical quick thinking can be.
How do these pipelines compare to modern ones?
They were revolutionary for their time, but modern pipelines are longer, smarter, and safer. Still, the Inch pipelines set the template—welded steel, electric pumps, and long-distance transport. You could say they’re the granddaddies of today’s pipeline network.
Edited and fact-checked by the MeridianFacts editorial team.
