Elko in Elko County, Nevada — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Oil From Shale

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 21, 2014

1. Oil From Shale Marker

Inscription. Directly south of this point and across the valley floor are the remains of a short-lived extraction plant, which reached the peak of its productive capacity in the early twenties. Driving of the main shaft began in 1916. Of several tries at extracting oil from shale, this was the only successful operation in Nevada.

Robert M. Catlin, Sr. spent many years experimenting on the extraction of crude oil from these beds before beginning the commercial production of oil. After a production period of less than two years, the plant was closed in the fall of 1924. Hi-power Catlin Oil was too expensive to compete with the fossil oils of that day.

Easily 50 years ahead of his time. Catlin did, for a few years give Elkoans and Nevadans, a dream and the community an oil boom in the Roaring Twenties.

Erected by Division of Historic Preservation and Archeology, Northeastern Nevada Historical Society. (Marker Number 229.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources. A significant historical year for this entry is 1916.

Location. 40° 49.529′ N, 115° 46.8′ W. Marker is in Elko, Nevada, in Elko County. Marker is on West Idaho Street (Nevada Route 535) near Hot Springs Road, on the

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right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1343 West Idaho Street, Elko NV 89802, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Elko Airport (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Star Hotel (approx. 0.9 miles away); Elko Independent (approx. one mile away); Pioneer Saloon and Hotel (approx. one mile away); Elko County High School (approx. 1.1 miles away); Early Inhabitants (approx. 1.2 miles away); Growth and Industry (approx. 1.2 miles away); Education (approx. 1.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elko.

More about this marker. This marker is across from the Elko Airport.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 21, 2014

2. Oil From Shale Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 393 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 1, 2014, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.