Near Panhandle in Carson County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)

First Rotary Drilling Rig Used in Texas Panhandle

(2.5 miles southeast)

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, March 17, 2016

1. First Rotary Drilling Rig Used in Texas Panhandle Marker

Inscription. In October 1923, W. T. Willis, J. E. Trigg, and H. D. Lewis, partners in one of Texas' largest drilling firms, broke ground at the S. B. Burnett 6666 Ranch with the first rotary drilling rig used in the Texas Panhandle. Success of this drilling method was a major event in this region. Drilling equipment included a $25,000 rotary rig; a 6-inch diameter drill pipe; a derrick; 3 steam boilers; 2 mud pumps; and other tools. Rotary rigs began to replace cable tool rigs on the Texas Gulf Coast about 1900, but the lack of a rotary drill bit capable of piercing rock delayed its use here.

Erected 1993 by Texas Historical Commission. (Marker Number 1860.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1923.

Location. 35° 36.178′ N, 101° 24.36′ W. Marker is near Panhandle, Texas, in Carson County. Marker is on State Highway 207, 4 miles south of State Highway 136, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Panhandle TX 79068, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Gulf Burnett No. 2 (here, next to this marker); Fort Smith-Santa Fe Trail (approx. 3.6 miles away); Beale Road (approx. 3.6 miles away); Site of John and Maggie Weatherly Half-Dugout Site

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(approx. 3.7 miles away); 6666 Dixon Creek Ranch (approx. 4.3 miles away); Girl Scout Little House (approx. 4.4 miles away); First Methodist Church of Borger (approx. 4½ miles away); Quanah Parker Trail (approx. 4.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Panhandle.

First Rotary Drilling Rig Used in Texas Panhandle Marker <i>on the left</i> image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, March 17, 2016

2. First Rotary Drilling Rig Used in Texas Panhandle Marker on the left

Gulf Burnett No. 2 Marker is on the right

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, March 17, 2016

3. First Rotary Drilling Rig Used in Texas Panhandle Marker

View north on highway 207.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on April 10, 2016, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 401 times since then and 7 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 10, 2016, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona.