Near Deerwalk in Wood County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Derrick

Photographed by Bradley Owen, May 29, 2026

1. Derrick Marker

Inscription.
The virgin forests of the White Oak region in the early 1860's would be replaced by a forest of derricks when oil was discovered and drilling commenced.

There was no standard size for a derrick but most were 72 feet tall. Our replica is 28 feet.

The derrick provides support for the drilling equipment and a way to lower and raise well casing.

The preferred wood for the Volcano oilfields was American Chestnut because it grew straight, tall and was strong.

Erected by The Friends of Mountwood Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources.

Location. 39° 14.588′ N, 81° 18.038′ W. Marker is near Deerwalk, West Virginia, in Wood County. It is on Volcano Road (County Route 5) 0.8 miles south of Northwestern Turnpike (U.S. 50), on the right when traveling east. Marker is located on the grounds of the Volcano Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1014 Volcano Road, Waverly WV 26184, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in West Virginia’s Mid-Ohio Valley. It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in the Ohio River Valley,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France

and also the territory of the Mississippian Culture.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Sixteen Horsepower Gas Engine (within shouting distance of this marker); The Endless Cable System (within shouting distance of this

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marker); Oil Pump (within shouting distance of this marker); Wheels Of The Endless Cable (within shouting distance of this marker); Wooden Oil Storage Tank (within shouting distance of this marker); Thornhill Mansion (within shouting distance of this marker); Women of Volcano (within shouting distance of this marker); Mountwood Park (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Deerwalk.

Derrick and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bradley Owen, May 29, 2026

2. Derrick and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 12, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 11, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 4 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 11, 2026, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.