Thompson, General Ernest O.

Acknowledged world leader in petroleum conservation. A third generation Texan, born here in Alvord. Left college to enter service in World War I, earning a battlefield commission as lieutenant colonel -at the time the youngest in American army. In 1930 gained national acclaim as crusading mayor of Amarillo. Appointed (1932) to Texas Railroad Commission, served by election until 1966. From prior career of lawyer-hotel owner, he stepped into public duty which sent him at once into East Texas during the world's greatest oil boom, to enforce probation. At peril of his life, he shut off non-complying wells and made the petroleum industry respect Texas laws. He became a pioneer in conservation practices. With prompting from President Franklin Roosevelt, he led in 1934 in founding of the Interstate Oil Compact Commission. In Paris in 1937, he represented the United States at the World Petroleum Congress. By presidential order he was returned to Texas by the army in World War II, to insure oil supplies for allied military forces. He was awarded American Petroleum Institute Gold Medal for distinguished achievement, in 1951. As an international authority on oil - a key to world trade - he had great influence on the course of history.

Thompson, General Ernest O. is a historical marker in Alvord, Wise County, dedicated in 1972. It is one of 89 historical markers documented in Wise County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 159 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 33.3619, -97.7008 near Alvord. The nearest cataloged historic site is City of Alvord (historical marker), about 0.3 miles away. Others within a short drive include Alvord Cemetery, Alvord Lodge No. 512, A.F. & A.M., and First United Methodist Church Alvord.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5497002129. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.