Findlay in Hancock County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Findlay and Beyond

Photographed By Craig Doda, May 27, 2020

1. Findlay and Beyond Marker

Inscription. In 1890, three years after the company's incorporation, J.C. Donnell drilled the Hugh McMurray No. 1 well in Hancock County. It was the most productive oil well in the world in its time.

By 1911, Ohio Oil sorely needed to find new sources of crude oil beyond established fields in Ohio, Illinois and Indiana. The company's pioneers headed westward, first to Wyoming and Montana, and then south to Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas.

In west Texas, where diamondback rattlesnakes far outnumbered men, the company's future would be forever transformed. The prolific Yates Field was discovered in 1926. In 1929, the I.G. Yates 30-A well provided one of the world's greatest gushers.

With Texas exploration also came the acquisition of Transcontinental Oil Company in 1930, which gave Ohio Oil much more than Yates Field. The deal included three refineries, pipeline gathering systems and bulk storage plants. Notably, it also included more than 375 "filling stations” under the "Marathon” brand name, with its trademark runner, Pheidippides.

Erected by Marathon Petroleum Company.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.

Location. 41° 2.13′ N, 83°

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39′ W. Marker is in Findlay, Ohio, in Hancock County. Marker is on S. Main Street (Ohio Route 37), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Findlay OH 45840, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Growing Pains (here, next to this marker); Donnell Legacy (here, next to this marker); Early Beginnings (here, next to this marker); Independent Company (here, next to this marker); Names Will Change (here, next to this marker); Versatile Hydrocarbon (here, next to this marker); Refineries Multiply (here, next to this marker); Marketing Petroleum (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Findlay.

Photographed By Craig Doda, May 27, 2020

2. Findlay and Beyond Marker

Photographed By Craig Doda, May 27, 2020

3. Findlay and Beyond Marker

Photographed By Craig Doda, May 13, 2022

4. Findlay and Beyond Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on July 9, 2022. It was originally submitted on February 15, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 108 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on February 15, 2021, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 4. submitted on June 6, 2022, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.