Thompson, General Ernest O.

Acknowledged world leader in petroleum conservation. A third generation Texan. Left college for World War I, earning battlefield promotion to Lieutenant Colonel--youngest in the U.S. Army. In 1930 gained national recognition as crusading Amarillo mayor. Appointed in 1932 to Railroad Commission of Texas, won successive elective terms, chairman many years. Began Commission duty by enforcing proration in East Texas during world's greatest oil boom. Backed by Texas Rangers, closed off non-complying wells. His previous experience was in law practice, hotel ownership; quickly learned oil and gas engineering principles, along with regulation and conservation. In 1934, under advice of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, led in founding Interstate Oil Compact Commission. Represented the U.S. at World Petroleum Congress in Paris in 1937. Went into Army in World War II, but returned to Texas on presidential order to insure oil supplies for Allied military forces. In 1951 was awarded American Petroleum Institute Gold Medal for Distinguished Achievement. An international authority on oil--key to world trade--he had great economic influence.

Thompson, General Ernest O. is a historical marker in Amarillo, Potter County, dedicated in 1966. 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 35.2308, -101.8255 near Amarillo. The nearest cataloged historic site is Browning, Judge James Nathan, Homesite of (historical marker), about under a tenth of a mile away. Others within a short drive include Gregg Trail, Fort Worth and Denver City Railway, First Railroad Through the Texas Panhandle, and A.T. & S.F. No. 5000 "Madam Queen".

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5375002128. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.