William Saroyan

Historical marker location:

Fresno, California

( Marker is at the intersection of Van Ness Avenue and Tulare Street, on the right when traveling west on Van Ness Avenue.)

Marker installed: 1988

August 31, 1908 - May 18, 1981.

California was the site of the nation's first successful oil well in 1892. The well was drilled in the city of Los Angeles and produced about 25 barrels of oil a day. Today, California remains a major oil-producing state.