Amarillo in Potter County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
General Ernest O. Thompson
(To the Northeast, at 606 Washington Street, is the birthplace of)
| | (1892 - 1966) | |
Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 15, 2015
1. General Ernest O. Thompson Marker
Acknowledged world leader in petroleum conservation.
A third generation Texan. Left college for World War I, earning battlefield promotion to Lieutenant Colonel—youngest in the U.S. Army. In 1930 gained national recognition as crusading Amarillo mayor.
Appointed in 1932 to Railroad Commission of Texas, won successive elective terms, chairman many years. Began Commission duty by enforcing proration in East Texas during world's greatest oil boom. Backed by Texas Rangers, closed off non-complying wells. His previous experience was in law practice, hotel ownership; quickly learned oil and gas engineering principles, along with regulation and conservation. In 1934, under advice of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, led in founding Interstate Oil Compact Commission. Represented the U.S. at World Petroleum Congress in Paris in 1937. Went into Army in World War II, but returned to Texas on presidential order to insure oil supplies for Allied military forces.
He was awarded American Petroleum Institute Gold Medal for Distinguished Achievement. An international authority on oil—key to world trade—he had
this page online
Erected 1966 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 2128.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • War, World I • War, World II. A significant historical year for this entry is 1930.
Location. 35° 14.34′ N, 101° 49.986′ W. Marker is in Amarillo, Texas, in Potter County. It is at the intersection of Funfest Boulevard and Comanchero, on the right when traveling south on Funfest Boulevard. Located within the Thompson Memorial Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Funfest Boulevard, Amarillo TX 79107, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on the Texas Panhandle. It is also on the American Great Plains, specifically on the Southern Plains, and specifically on the High Plains. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Comancherνa, the Dust Bowl, the Republic of Texas, and one of the Confederate States of America.
Other nearby markers. At
Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 15, 2015
2. Markers located in Thompson Memorial Park
Another marker is no longer nearby. First Hospital on the High Plains of Texas - St. Anthony's Hospital (was approx. 1.2 miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Also see . . .
1. Texas State Historical Association article on General Thompson. (Submitted on September 20, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
2. Wikipedia article on General Thompson. (Submitted on September 20, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.)
Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 15, 2015
3. Reverse side of marker.
Shows Members of the Railroad Commission on a metal plate affixed to marker.
Photographed by Mark Hilton, September 15, 2015
4. View north towards Wonderland Amusement Park.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 22, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 20, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama. This page has been viewed 866 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 20, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
