Billionth Barrel
Historical marker location:On May 25, 1965, from one of 7,400 producing oil wells in the county's 196 fields, came the Billionth Barrel of Andrews County crude oil.
In the 35 years and 5 months since oil flowed from the county's discovery well, C. E. Ogden No. 1, in Dec. 1929, Andrews has attained a new place in history.
In 1929, the county had about 400 people. Its wealth, mostly in land and livestock, amounted to $8,109,399. Five persons in the county filed income tax returns. There were fewer than 100 children in school. Highway bonds in the amount of $200,000 were about to be issued, as a measure for county improvement.
By 1956, Andrews County produced more than 60,000,000 barrels of oil annually--gaining recognition as number one in Texas and in the United States.
Of great significance is the fact that presently proven reserves underlying the county total more than one billion barrels, without any consideration for additional recoveries by secondary methods.
Andrews is more than a product of the billion barrels of crude of oil it has produced, more than the gasoline plants working through the night, more than modern highways, paved streets, homes, schools, dreams. Its destiny is great in human resources--and oil. (1965)
As one of the most visible programs of the Texas Historical Commission (THC), historical markers commemorate diverse topics in Texas history, including: the history and architecture of houses, commercial and public buildings, religious congregations, and military sites; events that changed the course of local and state history; and individuals who have made lasting contributions to the state, community organizations, and businesses.
The Texas Rangers, a famous law enforcement agency, were first organized in 1835 to protect settlers from Native American attacks.
Andrews County was officially established in 1876 and was named after Richard Andrews, the first man to die in the Texas Revolution. The discovery of oil in the Permian Basin in the early 1920s transformed Andrews County and brought about significant growth and prosperity. Oil companies flocked to the area, drilling numerous wells and establishing a booming oil industry. This led to a population boom as people from all over flocked to Andrews County in search of work and opportunities.
Throughout the years, Andrews County has continued to be heavily influenced by the oil industry. The county has seen periods of economic boom and bust as oil prices fluctuated, but oil remains a major industry in the region. In recent years, there has also been a growing focus on renewable energy, including wind power, with the establishment of several wind farms in the area.
Today, Andrews County is known for its diverse economy, blending agriculture, oil, and renewable energy industries. It remains an important part of the Permian Basin, contributing to Texas' status as one of the leading oil-producing states in the country.
Andrews County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Andrews County, Texas.
- 1800s: The area that is now Andrews County was home to various Native American tribes, including the Comanche and Apache.
- 1875: The Texas legislature formed Andrews County from parts of Bexar County, and it was named after Richard Andrews, the first man to die in the Texas Revolution.
- Late 1800s: The county witnessed its first significant European settlement, with ranchers and farmers beginning to establish homesteads.
- Early 1900s: The discovery of oil in the Permian Basin sparked a period of growth and economic development in Andrews County.
- 1929: Andrews County's first drilling rig, belonging to the Texon Oil and Land Company, began producing oil, leading to an oil boom in the region.
- 1938: Andrews County was struck by a powerful tornado that caused significant damage to the town of Andrews, resulting in several fatalities and injuries.
- Late 1900s: Oil and gas production continued to be the primary driver of the county's economy, with several major companies operating in the area.
- 1997: The county's first hazardous waste storage and disposal facility, the Andrews County LLRW Disposal Facility, began operations, bringing both jobs and controversy.
- Present: Andrews County remains a hub for oil and gas activities, with ongoing efforts to attract diversification in industries while preserving its natural resources.