Near Rankin in Upton County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
The Benedum Oil Field and Townsite
(About 9 mi. East)
Photographed By Steve Henderson, August 21, 2010
1. The Benedum Oil Field and Townsite Marker
Field named in 1950 by the Texas Railroad Commission in honor of Michael Late (Mike) Benedum, 1869-1959, who devoted 69 years of his 90 years to the oil business,and won fortune and fame as "The Great Wildcatter".His work began in 1890. With a partner, Joe C. Trees, he discovered or developed oil fields in Illinois, West Virginia, Louisiana (The Great Caddo Field); The Tuxpam in Mexico; deMares in Colombia, South America; and in Texas the Desdemona, Big Lake, Yates, East White Point, Susan Peak and Benavides.
Discovery of Big Lake Field (1923) on University of Texas land tapped the great wealth of the Permian Basin, which opened in 1920 with a small discovery. Alford No. 1 original well in Benedum field (later reclassified as a gas field), was completed Jan. 4, 1948, at a depth of 12,011 feet by Slick-Urschel Oil Co., under a partnership agreement. The field later benefited by dedication of Benedum Townsite.
The "Great Wildcatter" was an oil pioneer whose work enriched one of the world's large constitutional permanent university funds. Revenues from oil and gas operations give Texas the largest
this page online
Erected 1965 by Historic Survey Committee - State of Texas. (Marker Number 5219.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is January 4, 1950.
Location. 31° 19.197′ N, 101° 56.735′ W. Marker is near Rankin, Texas, in Upton County. Marker can be reached from U.S. 349 south of Farm to Market Road 1555. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Rankin TX 79778, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. "Weir No.1" Oil Well (approx. 6.4 miles away); Colonels John C. and William F. Upton (approx. 6˝ miles away); Upland (approx. 6˝ miles away); First State Bank of Rankin (approx. 6˝ miles away); Site of First Church in Upton County (approx. 6.6 miles away); First Baptist Church of Rankin (approx. 6.7 miles away); Yates Hotel (approx. 6.9 miles away); Rankin's All Kid Rodeo (approx. 7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Rankin.
Photographed By James Hulse, July 2, 2022
2. The Benedum Oil Field and Townsite Marker from across the highway
Photographed By James Hulse, July 2, 2022
3. The Benedum Oil Field and Townsite Marker along the highway
Photographed By James Hulse, July 2, 2022
4. A view of the Oil fields behind the marker
Credits. This page was last revised on July 3, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 21, 2010, by Steve Henderson of Marble Falls, Texas. This page has been viewed 976 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 21, 2010, by Steve Henderson of Marble Falls, Texas. 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 3, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
