Falls City in Richardson County, Nebraska — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
First Oil Well
In 1939 and 1940 the Pawnee Royalty Company had two encouraging but unsuccessful drillings near Falls City. A third well, known as Bucholz No. 1, was begun near here on April 22, 1940. On May 29, 1940, the well began producing and averaged 169-1/2 barrels daily for the first 60 days.
Bucholz Well No. 1 thus easily qualified for a $15,000 bonus offered by the Nebraska Legislature for the first oil well in the state to produce at least 50 barrels daily for 60 consecutive days. Interestingly, Bucholz No. 1 was located about five miles east of the "vein of petroleum" reported in 1883.
Although today Nebraska's oil production is largely centered in the southwestern panhandle, the pioneer efforts in this area have resulted in a major contribution to the economy of the state.
Nebraska Petroleum Council
Historical Land Mark Council
Erected by Nebraska Petroleum Council, Historical Land Mark Council. (Marker Number 79.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Nebraska State Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is April 1883.
Location. 40° 3.933′ N, 95° 40.305′ W. Marker is in Falls City, Nebraska, in Richardson County. Marker is at the intersection of State Highway 8 and Local Route 648, on the left when traveling west on State Highway 8. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3 miles west of Falls City, Falls City NE 68355, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Lane Trail (approx. 11.6 miles away in Kansas); Sabetha, Kansas (approx. 13.2 miles away in Kansas).
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 4, 2015, by Joan Shurtliff of Seward, Nebraska. This page has been viewed 691 times since then and 29 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on January 4, 2015, by Joan Shurtliff of Seward, Nebraska. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
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