Oildale in Kern County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Oildale Waits Drilling Company
By Denise Boose, April 21, 2013
1. Oildale Waits Drilling Company Marker
In May 1899, Thomas A. Means owned the land where James and Jonathan Elwood discovered oil on the North Bank of the Kern River. They used a hand auger under the edge of the cliff checking for oil, and later moved to the top to drill. Oil surfaced from 256 feet, on July 26, 1899.You can see the Discovery Well, capped in red, behind the dedication plaque. The Kern River Field has been the longest producing in the nation - over 100 Years.
As the Standard Oil Company grew in Kern County, a pipeline was constructed between here and the Pt. Richmond Refinery across from San Francisco.
Standard Oil Company of California later changed its name to Chevron USA, Inc. The exploration department was located at 2401 N. Chester Avenue (see below) and can still be seen at 3311 Manor Street.
Erected 2012 by Citizens For A New Oildale & Chevron.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Natural Resources. A significant historical month for this entry is May 1899.
Location. 35° 25.614′ N, 119° 1.213′ W. Marker is in Oildale, California, in
By Denise Boose, April 21, 2013
2. Oildale Waits Drilling Company Marker and Mural
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Oildale, A 100 Years Ago (approx. 1˝ miles away); Home of Elisha Stevens (approx. 2.2 miles away); Jewett Family (approx. 2.3 miles away); Sonora Service Station (approx. 2.3 miles away); Kern County Fair Exhibit Building (approx. 2.3 miles away); Standard School (approx. 2.3 miles away); Bungalow (approx. 2.3 miles away); Cable Tool Drilling Rig (approx. 2.3 miles away).
More about this marker. Painted by Patti Doolittle
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. The Discovery Well Site - CHL #290
By Denise Boose, April 21, 2013
3. Oildale Waits Drilling Company Marker and Mural
By Denise Boose, April 21, 2013
4. Oildale Waits Drilling Company Mural
By Denise Boose, April 21, 2013
5. Patti Doolittle
By Denise Boose, April 21, 2013
6. 3311 Manor Street
Formally the Chevron Exploration Department, now the building is being used as part of a church.
By Denise Boose, April 21, 2013
7. The Discovery Well
See Related Marker for additional information.
By Denise Boose, April 21, 2013
8. Discovery Well of Kern River Oilfield
By Denise Boose, April 21, 2013
9. The Discovery Well Cap
By Denise Boose, April 21, 2013
10. Oildale Oil Pumps
By Denise Boose, April 21, 2013
11. Citizens for a New Oildale & Chevron
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 21, 2013, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. This page has been viewed 606 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. submitted on April 21, 2013, by Denise Boose of Tehachapi, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
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