Discovery Well in the Wasson Field

L. P. and Ruth Bennett moved to Yoakum County in 1916 to take over the ranching operation they had inherited from Ruth's father Dr. J. R. Smith of Munday. In 1927 they leased part of the ranch to the Texas Pacific Coal and Oil Company for the drilling of exploratory oil wells. By the mid-1930s the Bennett's cattle business was declining as a result of the economic depression and a severe area drought. They were in danger of losing their property through foreclosure when oil was discovered on the ranch. The find was made on October 10, 1935 at the Ruth Bennett No. 1-678 (6 mi. NE), a well supervised by Fort Worth wildcatter Red Davidson and crews of the Honolulu Oil Company. With the discovery, the Bennetts were able to pay all claims against their land. Increased drilling activity in the area created a "boom town" atmosphere and led to the founding of Denver City (6 mi. S) in 1939. Petroleum remains the major industry in Yoakum County, a national leader in the production of crude oil. In 1964 Gene H. Bennett, the youngest son of L. P. and Ruth Bennett, donated this portion of the Bennett Ranch to the county for use as a park. (1981)

Discovery Well in the Wasson Field is a historical marker in Denver City, Yoakum County, dedicated in 1981. It is one of 3 historical markers documented in Yoakum County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 5 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 33.0492, -102.8187 near Denver City. The nearest cataloged historic site is Bonus Shack (historical marker), about 9.5 miles away. Others within a short drive include Yoakum County, Yoakum County Courthouse, and Yoakum County Courthouse (1926).

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5501001229. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.