Ozona in Crockett County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

Crockett County's First Producing Oil Well

Photographed by Brian Anderson, July 6, 2019

1. Crockett County's First Producing Oil Well Marker

Inscription. In 1923 World Oil Co., owned by Chester R. Bunker, Ft. Worth publisher and printer, began drilling on the L. P. Powell Ranch. Work progressed slowly, depending on the availability of money, under the direction of superintendent Mickey Green and the tool pusher known only as "Dangerous Dan." The wildcat operation proved successful in the spring of 1925, when the first well (10 mi. northwest) came in at a depth of 2647 feet and began producing 25 barrels of oil a day. The strike opened up the world pool, more commonly known as the Powell Field, which is still yielding oil. Eventually 180 wells were drilled by a number of companies on Powell's 9260-acre ranch. Bunker, a New York-born World War I veteran, sold his rights to Humble and Marland Oil Co. after the strike, but Powell's heirs still own the land. Powell No. 1 has produced continuously since 1925 and now, under the operation of Petro-Lewis, yields 10 barrels a day.

Powell No. 1 was the beginning of a vital new industry for Crockett County, before 1925 primarily a ranching area. The next important strike occurred in the Crockett Field in 1938. There are currently

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over 2000 producing oil and gas wells in the county.

Erected 1975 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 1113.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Resources. A significant historical year for this entry is 1925.

Location. 30° 54.671′ N, 101° 26.788′ W. Marker is in Ozona, Texas, in Crockett County. It is at the intersection of U.S. 190 and State Highway 137, on the right when traveling west on U.S. 190. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Ozona TX 76943, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Texas.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Republic of Texas,

and one of the Confederate States of America.

Photographed by Brian Anderson, July 6, 2019

2. Crockett County's First Producing Oil Well Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 5, 2019. It was originally submitted on May 30, 2018, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,893 times since then and 168 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 11, 2019, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.