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 great economic influence.
Erected 1966 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 2128.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in
this page online
Location. 35° 14.34′ N, 101° 49.986′ W. Marker is in Amarillo, Texas, in Potter County. Marker 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.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Judge James Nathan Browning (here, next to this marker); Gregg Trail (approx. 0.8 miles away); Wild Horse Lake (approx. 1½ miles away); Fort Worth and Denver City Railway (approx. 1.8 miles away); A.T. & S.F. No. 5000 (approx. 1.9 miles away); Henry B. Sanborn (approx. 2.1 miles away); Potter County Courthouse (approx. 2.1 miles away); Potter County (approx. 2.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Amarillo.
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.
Photographed By Mark Hilton, September 15, 2015
2. Markers located in Thompson Memorial Park
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 526 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 20, 2015, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
