Historical Marker

First Exploratory Oil Well in Taylor County

Abilene · Taylor County · Dedicated 2009 · THC Atlas #5507015925

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About this site

First Exploratory Oil Well in Taylor County is a historical marker in Abilene, Taylor County, dedicated in 2009. It is one of 49 historical markers documented in Taylor County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 126 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 32.3578, -99.7078 near Abilene. The nearest cataloged historic site is Old Colony (cemetery), about 1.5 miles away. Others within a short drive include Abilene State Hospital, Potosi, and Iberis.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5507015925. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.

History

Founded in 1881, Abilene sought to expand its economy by attracting oil development, and the chamber of commerce hired geologist Dr. J. A. Udden to survey northeastern Taylor County for likely drilling sites. His recommendations led to the county's first exploratory oil well, drilled northeast of town. A Texas historical marker recognizing the site was set in 2010.

Sources: atlas.thc.texas.gov texashistoricalmarkers.weebly.com

📍 32.3578, -99.7078 · Abilene, Taylor County

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Nearby in Taylor County

Abilene State Hospital

Dillingham, O. D. and Ada, House

McMurry College Administration Building

Abilene · 1992