Newhall near Santa Clarita in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Pioneer Oil Refinery
California's first oil refinery operated on a commercial scale, erected 1876. Restored by the Standard Oil Company of California in 1930 as a memorial to D. G. Scofield and his pioneer associates of the California Star Oil Works company, a predecessor of the Standard Oil Company of California. In 1875-1876 Mr. Scofield and his associates obtained California's first commercial production of crude petroleum in Pico Canyon six miles northwest of this point and built this refinery for the manufacture of petroleum products.
Erected 1930 by Standard Oil Company of California. (Marker Number 172.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources. In addition, it is included in the California Historical Landmarks series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1876.
Location. 34° 22.204′ N, 118° 31.195′ W. Marker is near Santa Clarita, California, in Los Angeles County. It is in Newhall. It is on Needham Ranch Parkway 0.2 miles south of Newhall Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Newhall CA 91321, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles and in the Transverse Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Ramona Chapel (approx. 0.3 miles away); Kingsburry House (approx. 0.3 miles
this page online
More about this marker. Construction of a new historic park at this site began in 2024, and phase one opened in June 2025. Some structures were removed temporarily and will be re-installed in the future.
In 1984, Standard Oil of California changed its name to Chevron.
This is California Historical Landmark No. 172, designated in 1935;
Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark No. 8, designated in 1975;
and it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2020.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Pico Canyon oil production markers.
Also see . . . Marker Dedication in 1930. With additional information and photos. (Submitted on August 22, 2019.)
Additional keywords.
Photographed by Chris Bell, January 15, 2012
2. Pioneer Oil Refinery Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker, June 28, 2025
3. Pioneer Oil Refinery Park - 2025
Photographed by Craig Baker, June 28, 2025
4. Pioneer Oil Refinery Park - 2025
Photographed by Craig Baker (CC0), August 24, 2019
5. Pump House
These structures were removed in 2021 and will be relocated near the other structures.
Photographed by Michael Kindig, January 15, 2008
6. Pioneer Oil Refinery and Marker
Photographed by Craig Baker, December 27, 2025
7. Structures on Hilltop
Photographed by Craig Baker, December 27, 2025
8. Street Sign on Newhall Avenue
Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 22, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 1,137 times since then and 44 times this year. Last updated on January 28, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 22, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3, 4. submitted on June 29, 2025, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 5, 6. submitted on August 22, 2019, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 7, 8. submitted on February 1, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
