Northwest Extension Oilfield

Oil exploration and production in this area remained minimal until April 17, 1919, when the Bob Waggoner Well No. 1 came in at 4,800 barrels per day. It was the first well in what became known as the Northwest Extension Oilfield, which covered approximately 27 square miles on the former S. Burk Burnett Wild Horse Ranch. R.M. "Bob" Waggoner's well triggered a boom, and the area quickly filled with oil derricks. Hastily organized tent cities including Thrift, Springtown, Morgan City, Waggoner City, Bridgetown, and Bradley's Corner supported the industry. Today, sparsely sited pump jacks continue to draw oil, but in much smaller quantities than the early wells of Wichita County.

Texas · United States