Hobbs Discovery Well

Following earlier oil discoveries in the Lea County area, Ronald K. DeFord, of Midwest Refining Co., now Amoco, came to Hobbs to survey for a new drilling site. Drilling began October 12, 1927, oil was discovered at 4,065 feet, and the new well produced over 500,000 barrels of oil in its lifetime. Hobbs was transformed from an unknown community into a bustling boomtown boasting many restaurants and bars, several hotels and movie theaters.