Gilbertown in Choctaw County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
First Oil Well In Alabama
Photographed By Mark Hilton, January 17, 2015
1. First Oil Well In Alabama Marker
On January 2, 1944, the State of Alabama granted Hunt Oil Company a permit to drill the A.R. Jackson Well No. 1 at this location near Gilbertown. Hunt Oil Company was owned by the famous oil man, H.L. Hunt of Dallas, Texas. Drilling commenced on January 10, 1944, and was completed approximately one month later. The well struck oil at a depth of 2,580 feet in fractured Selma chalk. The discovery of this well led to the creation of the State Oil and Gas Board of Alabama in 1945, and to the development and growth of the petroleum industry in the State.Erected 1994 by the Alabama Historical Association.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1976.
Location. 31° 52.159′ N, 88° 21.082′ W. Marker is in Gilbertown, Alabama, in Choctaw County. Marker is on Paragon Road (County Road 16) 2 miles west of State Route 17, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Paragon Road, Gilbertown AL 36908, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 2 other
Photographed By Mark Hilton, January 17, 2015
2. First Oil Well old foundation
this page online
Also see . . . Story of First Oil Well. (Submitted on January 17, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
Photographed By Mark Hilton, January 17, 2015
3. Additional foundation sections in the woods.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, January 17, 2015
4. First Oil Well In Alabama foundation & marker along Paragon Road.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, January 17, 2015
5. Similar oil derrick used at First Oil Well in Alabama
This derrick is located in a town park in Gilbertown.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, January 17, 2015
6. Oil pump underneath derrick in Gilbertown.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, January 17, 2015
7. Caboose in Gilbertown near typical oil derrick and pump.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on January 17, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 912 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on January 17, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
