Santa Paula in Ventura County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Water Well Drilling Rig
Circa 1890
Photographed by Craig Baker, June 19, 2021
1. Water Well Drilling Rig Marker
This oak and steel drilling rig was manufactured by the Star Drilling Machine Company of Akron Ohio and used to drill for water on the Temple Ranch, which was located between Fillmore and Santa Paula. This model was self propelled and traveled at around one and a half miles per hour. A single piston engine, commonly referred to as a hit and miss engine, powered it.
Star Drilling Machine Company
The Star Drilling Machine Company began manufacturing portable drilling rigs in the 1890s mainly for the oil industry, but they were equally adept at drilling for water. These machines enjoyed wide popularity, and the company at one time claimed, "Ninety-five percent of all oil wells in the world drilled by portable machines were drilled by Star Drilling Machines".
Star continued to manufacture portable drilling rigs until just after WWII when they ceased manufacturing.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.
Location. 34° 21.321′ N, 119° 3.801′ W. Marker is in Santa Paula, California, in Ventura County. It is at the intersection of Railroad Avenue and 9th Street, on the left when traveling west on Railroad Avenue. Located in the outdoor
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Los Angeles, on Central Coast, 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: First Christian Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Rigi-Gated Fumigator (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Glen Tavern Inn (about 500 feet away); The Depot, Santa Paula (about 800 feet away); Saint Francis Dam Disaster Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Town Clock (approx. 0.2 miles away); Birthplace of Union Oil Company of California (approx. 0.2 miles away); McKevett School (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Santa Paula.
Also see . . . Agriculture Museum. Museum of Ventura County website. (Submitted on September 5, 2021.)
Additional keywords. The Mill, Agriculture Museum
Photographed by Craig Baker, June 19, 2021
2. Water Well Drilling Rig
Photographed by Craig Baker, June 19, 2021
3. Agriculture Museum
Built c.1890 as a produce warehouse. It was a feed, supply, and antique store until 2004. Ventura County Historical Landmark No. 69 - The Mill.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 22, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 5, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 1,072 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 5, 2021, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.
