Near Casey in Clark County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Illinois Search For Petroleum

Photographed by Robert L Maxwell, June 1, 2024

1. Illinois Search For Petroleum Marker

Inscription. Discovery of oil in Pennsylvania in 1859 created nationwide interest. Signs of petroleum seepage had been observed in Illinois long before 1865 when one of the first wells was drilled about ½ mile north and ¼ mile east of here on the farm of T R Young. This well was unsuccessful and the company lost interest. In 1904 a successful well was drilled 1 mile north and ¼ west on the farm of Mary Lee. The Standard Oil Company began developing the area in 1906. 1 mile west of here the unincorporated town of Oilfield was established.

Erected 2024 by The Clark County Historical Society and The Illinois State Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1859.

Location. 39° 23.527′ N, 87° 59.16′ W. Marker is near Casey, Illinois, in Clark County. It is on Illinois 49 0.1 miles south of E 1700th RD, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 16964 IL-49,

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Westfield IL 62474, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois

and in the Wabash Valley.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Westfield College (approx. 4.2 miles away); a different marker also named Westfield College (approx. 4.2 miles away); "Large" Pizza Slicer (approx. 5.7 miles away); Rev. John Doughty (approx. 6 miles away); The Early Settlement of Cumberland (approx. 6.1 miles away); Liberty Church (approx. 6.1 miles away); Cumberland Presbyterian Church Bell (approx. 6.4 miles away); Casey (approx. 6.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Casey.

More about this marker. This marker is a replacement for a similar marker that existed near the town of Westfield Illinois. That sign was lost.

Marker

Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 6, 2024

2. Illinois Search For Petroleum Marker

Marker front is not facing the highway

was dedicated on June 1, 2024, with dozens in attendance.

Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 6, 2024

3. Illinois Search For Petroleum Marker

Marker is on the grounds of the Oilfield Store restaurant (it is next to the white sign)

Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 6, 2024, by Robert L Maxwell of Martinsville, Illinois. This page has been viewed 366 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 6, 2024, by Robert L Maxwell of Martinsville, Illinois. 2, 3. submitted on June 22, 2024, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.