Summerland in Santa Barbara County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

First Offshore Oil Production

Photographed by Craig Baker, 2017

1. First Offshore Oil Production Marker

Inscription. To the west, within sight of this monument, the first offshore oil production on the Western Hemisphere was developed. The Summerland Oilfield initially produced from onshore wells, but beginning in 1896, production was extended offshore. By 1899, twenty-two oil companies were operating wells on a total of twelve wharves.

Erected 1978 by Petroleum Production Pioneers, Inc.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1896.

Location. 34° 25.211′ N, 119° 36.166′ W. Marker is in Summerland, California, in Santa Barbara County. It can be reached from Evans Avenue south of U.S. 101. Located in Lookout Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Summerland CA 93067, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on California’s Central Coast,

specifically on the Coast Ranges,

and specifically 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 Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: To the Loyalty (approx. ¼ mile away); Civil War Memorial (approx. 2.9 miles away); The Southern Pacific RR Roundhouse (approx. 4.2 miles away); The Heath Adobe (approx. 4.6 miles away); Stearns Wharf Fire (approx. 4.8 miles away); Richard Henry Dana, Jr. (approx. 4.8 miles away); Historic Capstan (approx. 4.8 miles away); Stearns Wharf (approx. 4.8 miles away).

Regarding First Offshore Oil Production.

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Remnants of the wharves can be seen along the beach to the west.

Photographed by Craig Baker, 2017

2. First Offshore Oil Production Marker

Modern offshore oil platforms are visible six miles away.

Offshore Oil Production Postcard image. Click for full size.

3. Offshore Oil Production Postcard

Credits. This page was last revised on November 24, 2023. It was originally submitted on February 21, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 377 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 21, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. 3. submitted on November 24, 2023, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.