First Commercial Oil Well in Howard County
On Nov. 9, 1925, this wildcat well "No. 1 H.R. Clay" drilled by Fred Hyer, began pumping oil in a venture that hinted at vast oil resources in west Texas.
The well on Clay's land hit pay dirt at 1,508 feet. Soon oil land speculators developed a great interest in this formerly "worthless" territory and other wildcatters flocked to the area.
As a result of efforts here, the Permian Basin--one of the richest oil repositories in the state--was developed. Since 1925 Howard County has produced more than 300 million barrels. (1969)
32.0858° N, 101.3919° W
Where to Find It
US 87, W side opposite FM 821, at entrance to Howard-Glasscock Field 0.1 mi. SE of Howard-Glasscock county line
Nearby Markers
- 10.5 mi NW Route of Marcy's Trail Big Spring
- 10.8 mi N Roberts, W. T. (Uncle Bud) Big Spring
- 11.2 mi NW Big Spring State Park on Route of Old Comanche War Trail Big Spring
- 11.9 mi N Big Spring School District Big Spring
- 12.1 mi N First Christian Church of Big Spring Big Spring
- 12.5 mi NW First National Bank in Big Spring Big Spring