Historical Marker

Oil and Gas

A completion of the Discovery Well of the Hobbs Pool six miles south, April 12, 1929, focuses attention upon the potential of New Mexico as a major source of oil and natural gas. Steady development under the state conservation program gradually moved New Mexico into 6th nationwide in oil production and 4th in gas production. While Lea County attained first place in the value of oil and gas production, these positions achieved, during the 1950s and 60s were maintained as the decade of the 70s opened.