First Oil Well in Hockley County

On April 6, 1937, this well was completed by the Texas Company (Texaco, Inc.), flowing 502 barrels per day from a depth of 5,023 feet, on land owned by J. E. Guerry (1885-1956). The Guerry family purchased surface and 1/8 mineral rights on 127 acres, in 1929, from R. L. (Bob) Slaughter (1870-1938), who inherited over 160,000 acres of the Lazy S Ranch after death of his father, Col. C. C. Slaughter (1837-1919). Located in the vast Slaughter field, this well was the first of over 2,600 active wells in the county, which have produced over 400 million barrels of oil. (1970)

First Oil Well in Hockley County is a historical marker in Sundown, Hockley County, dedicated in 1973. It is one of 10 historical markers documented in Hockley County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 14 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 33.4221, -102.4969 near Sundown. The nearest cataloged historic site is City of Sundown Cemetery (historical marker), about 2.7 miles away. Others within a short drive include Fifth Street Missionary Baptist Church, Hockley County Cemetery, and City of Levelland Cemetery.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5219001806. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.