One Hundred Million Barrels of Oil From Block 31 Units

A discovery well completed in Nov. 1945 about a mile to the northeast has led to vast production of oil--one hundred million barrels by July 27, 1969. The discovery well, University A No.1 , was drilled by the Atlantic Richfield Company. This development is on land belonging to the University of Texas, designated as Block 31 Unit, and leased to Atlantic Richfield (the operator), Phillips Petroleum Company, Continental Oil Company and Champlin Petroleum Company. The unit--7,200 acres in area--has 72 wells approximately 8,500 feet deep, into the earth stratum known as the Devonian formation. Through the years, unusual processes were used to increase unit oil recovery. High pressure natural gas was injected, to wash oil from subterranean rock. Later, exhaust gas was injected instead of the costlier natural gas. Research and farsighted policies made possible unusually high recovery in this reservoir. Credit for the conservation and good management of this unit goes to the Texas Railroad Commission (as the regulatory body with oversight of oil production), the University of Texas and owners of the unit. (1969) supplemental plate added 1989: A second milestone was reached October 17, 1987, when the two hundred millionth barrel of crude oil was produced from the Block 31 Unit.

One Hundred Million Barrels of Oil From Block 31 Units is a historical marker in Crane, Crane County, dedicated in 1969. It is one of 8 historical markers documented in Crane County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 10 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 31.4345, -102.4560 near Crane. The nearest cataloged historic site is Cordona Lake, Juan (historical marker), about 6.6 miles away. Others within a short drive include Crane, William Carey, Crane County Courthouse, and Curry, Charles Boothe.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5103003862. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.