Crockett County's First Producing Oil Well

In 1923 World Oil Co., owned by Chester R. Bunker, Ft. Worth publisher and printer, began drilling on the L. P. Powell Ranch. Work progressed slowly, depending on the availability of money, under the direction of superintendent Mickey Green and the tool pusher known only as "Dangerous Dan." The wildcat operation proved successful in the spring of 1925, when the first well (10 mi. northwest) came in at a depth of 2647 feet and began producing 25 barrels of oil a day. The strike opened up the world pool, more commonly known as the Powell Field, which is still yielding oil. Eventually 180 wells were drilled by a number of companies on Powell's 9260-acre ranch. Bunker, a New York-born World War I veteran, sold his rights to Humble and Marland Oil Co. after the strike, but Powell's heirs still own the land. Powell No. 1 has produced continuously since 1925 and now, under the operation of Petro-Lewis, yields 10 barrels a day. Powell No. 1 was the beginning of a vital new industry for Crockett County, before 1925 primarily a ranching area. The next important strike occurred in the Crockett Field in 1938. There are currently over 2000 producing oil and gas wells in the county.

Crockett County's First Producing Oil Well is a historical marker in Ozona, Crockett County, dedicated in 1975. It is one of 29 historical markers documented in Crockett County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 36 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 30.9129, -101.4472 near Ozona. The nearest cataloged historic site is High Lonesome Stage Stand (historical marker), about 17 miles away. Others within a short drive include Ozona-Barnhart Trap Company, Ozona Junior High School, and Casbeer, Joseph L..

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5105001113. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.