First Commercial Oil Well in Howard County

On Nov. 9, 1925, this wildcat well "No. 1 H.R. Clay" drilled by Fred Hyer, began pumping oil in a venture that hinted at vast oil resources in west Texas. The well on Clay's land hit pay dirt at 1,508 feet. Soon oil land speculators developed a great interest in this formerly "worthless" territory and other wildcatters flocked to the area. As a result of efforts here, the Permian Basin--one of the richest oil repositories in the state--was developed. Since 1925 Howard County has produced more than 300 million barrels. (1969)

First Commercial Oil Well in Howard County is a historical marker in Garden City, Glasscock County, dedicated in 1969. It is one of 4 historical markers documented in Glasscock County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 7 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 32.0858, -101.3918 near Garden City. The nearest cataloged historic site is unknown (cemetery), about 7.1 miles away. Others within a short drive include Glasscock County Courthouse and Jail, Glasscock County, and Glasscock County Courthouse/Jail.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5227012671. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.