Amarillo Helium Plant

This plant, operated by the United States Bureau of Mines, was the first to produce helium from the extensive helium resources in the Texas Panhandle. From 1929 until 1943, it furnished almost all of the world's supply of helium. Operating around the clock, the plant extracts helium by liquefying the natural gas and separating helium from it at temperatures 300 degrees below zero. The natural reserves in these fields and in extensions into adjacent states contain more than 95 percent of the world's known supply of helium. This is also the site of the world renowned research center which provides fundamental data on the production and uses of helium. Helium is used for a variety of purposes: lighter-than-air craft, low-temperature research, shielded-arc welding; and in national defense, nuclear energy programs and space exploration. (1965)

Amarillo Helium Plant is a historical marker in Amarillo, Potter County, dedicated in 1965. It is one of 49 historical markers documented in Potter County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 73 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 35.1914, -101.9549 near Amarillo. The nearest cataloged historic site is Amarillo (historical marker), about 1.5 miles away. Others within a short drive include Texas Pharmacy Museum, Helium Time Columns Monument and Museum, and Smith-Rogers House.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5375000144. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.