Near Burkburnett in Wichita County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
Northwest Extension Oilfield
Photographed by Brian Anderson, November 23, 2021
1. Northwest Extension Oilfield Marker
Inscription.
Northwest Extension Oilfield. . Oil exploration and production in this area was minimal until April 17, 1919, when the Bob Waggoner Well No. 1 blew in at 4,800 barrels per day. It was the first well in what became known as the Northwest Extension Oilfield, comprised of approximately 27 square miles on the former S. Burk Burnett Wild Horse Ranch. R.M. "Bob" Waggoner's well led to a boom, and the area was suddenly thick with oil derricks. The hastily organized tent cities of Thrift, Springtown, Morgan City, Waggoner City, Bridgetown and Bradley's Corner supported the industry. Today, sparsely sited pump jacks continue to draw oil, but in far smaller quantities than the early wells of Wichita County.
Oil exploration and production in this area was minimal until April 17, 1919, when the Bob Waggoner Well No. 1 blew in at 4,800 barrels per day. It was the first well in what became known as the Northwest Extension Oilfield, comprised of approximately 27 square miles on the former S. Burk Burnett Wild Horse Ranch. R.M. "Bob" Waggoner's well led to a boom, and the area was suddenly thick with oil derricks. The hastily organized tent cities of Thrift, Springtown, Morgan City, Waggoner City, Bridgetown and Bradley's Corner supported the industry. Today, sparsely sited pump jacks continue to draw oil, but in far smaller quantities than the early wells of Wichita County.
Erected 2006 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 13662.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical date for this entry is April 17, 1919.
Location. 34° 5.779′ N, 98° 37.85′ W. Marker is near Burkburnett, Texas, in Wichita County. It is at the intersection of State Highway 240 and Farm to Market Road 368, on the right when traveling west on State Highway 240. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Burkburnett TX 76354, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Big Country. 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 Comancherνa, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Thrift (here, next to this marker); Burnett Horse Ranch
Credits. This page was last revised on November 30, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 30, 2021, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio. This page has been viewed 465 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on November 30, 2021, by Brian Anderson of New Albany, Ohio.
