Aurora in Preston County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Gantz Sand

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 27, 2023

1. Gantz Sand Marker

Inscription. The upper Devonian or lower Mississippian strata and the “Gantz” or “Berea Sand” of the driller, is a clean pebbly sandstone. It produces oil and natural gas at depths greater than 1700 feet in north central West Virginia.

Erected 1963 by The W. Va. Centennial Committee of the Oil and Natural Gas Industry, and the West Virginia Historic Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Resources. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list.

Location. 39° 19.418′ N, 79° 33.392′ W. Marker is in Aurora, West Virginia, in Preston County. It is on George Washington Highway (U.S. 50) west of Aurora Pike, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Aurora WV 26705, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

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 territory of the Mississippian Culture.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named Aurora (about 700 feet away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Old Stone Tavern (approx. 1.3 miles away); Flag Raising (approx. 2½ miles away); Preston County / Maryland (approx. 3.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Aurora.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Aurora

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(was about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 6, 2006

2. Gantz Sand Marker

This is a photo of the marker prior to its restoration.

Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), October 27, 2023

3. Gantz Sand Marker

Photographed by J. J. Prats, August 6, 2006

4. Gantz Sand Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 9, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,974 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on October 28, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 2. submitted on August 9, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 3. submitted on October 28, 2023, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 4. submitted on August 9, 2006, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.