Artesia in Eddy County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)

The Derrick Floor

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, October 26, 2012

1. The Derrick Floor Marker

Inscription. Dedicated to the men and women who take the risks and do the work to find, produce and refine New Mexico oil and gas. This monument of a 1950s drilling rig is unveiled in celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Illinois #3, the first commercial oil well in southwestern New Mexico and first oil well on state-owned lands in New Mexico.

Erected 2004.

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

Location. 32° 50.517′ N, 104° 24.199′ W. Marker is in Artesia, New Mexico, in Eddy County. It is at the intersection of West Main Street and South 6th Street, on the right when traveling east on West Main Street. Marker is on the southeast corner. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Artesia NM 88210, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New Mexico’s Pecos Valley. It is also in the American Southwest,

on the Great Plains,

on the Southern Plains,

and specifically on the High Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Comanchería,

and the Republic of Texas.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Mary Emmons Yates (here, next to this marker); Martin Yates, Jr. (here, next to this marker); The Illinois #3 (a few steps from this marker); Van Stratton Welch (a few steps from this marker); John R. Gray (a few steps from this marker); Mack C. Chase (a few steps from this marker); The Partnership

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(a few steps from this marker); The Baskin Building (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Artesia.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, October 26, 2012

2. The Derrick Floor Marker

The Derrick Floor image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, October 26, 2012

3. The Derrick Floor

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, October 26, 2012

4. The Derrick Floor

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 27, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,070 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 27, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.