Midland County's First Producing Oil Well

The discovery of oil in the Permian Basin during the 1920s helped sustain the area economy during the Great Depression, and many oil and gas companies established headquarters in Midland. Not until the 1940s, though, did Midland County begin seeing its own productive oil wells. Geologist H.L. Beckman worked with the Rowan Drilling Company to stake out Humble Oil and Refining Company's No. 1 Mrs. O.P. Buchanan Well at this site. They spudded the well on September 14, 1944 and completed in on November 6, 1945 at a total depth of 12,574 feet. The well produced 332 barrels of oil in 29 hours and became Midland County's first producing oil well. It was plugged on August 1, 1947. (1966, 2005)

Midland County's First Producing Oil Well is a historical marker in Midland, Midland County, dedicated in 2005. It is one of 10 historical markers documented in Midland County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 16 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 31.9594, -101.9305 near Midland. The nearest cataloged historic site is Greenwood Cemetery (cemetery), about 5.1 miles away. Others within a short drive include Midland County, Brown-Dorsey House, and Midland County Courthouse.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5507013403. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.