The completion of the Discovery Well of the Hobbs Pool six miles south on April 12, 1929 focused attention on New Mexico's potential as a major source of oil and natural gas. Steady development under the state conservation program gradually moved New Mexico into sixth nationwide in oil production and fourth in gas production. Lea County attained first place in the value of oil and gas production, and these positions, achieved during the 1950's and 60's, were maintained as the decade of the 1970's opened.