First Rotary Drilling Rig Used in Texas Panhandle

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.

First Rotary Drilling Rig Used in Texas Panhandle is a historical marker in Panhandle, Carson County, dedicated in 1993. It is one of 42 historical markers documented in Carson County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 49 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 35.6030, -101.4060 near Panhandle. The nearest cataloged historic site is Gulf Burnett No. 2 (Carson County Oil Discovery Well) (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include 6666 Dixon Creek Ranch, Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery, and Polish Settlers of White Deer.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5065001860. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.