Drumright Gasoline Plant No. 2
N of Drumright, Drumright, OKThe Drumright Gasoline Plant No. 2 is significant for the following reasons: (1) it is the oldest natural gas processing plant in operation in the United States, (2) it represents the founding of the Sinclair Oil and Gas Company, (3) it currently processes all the gasoline in the Cushing field, and (4) it still uses several pieces of original equipment installed when the plant was built in 1917.
The Drumright Gasoline Plant No. 2 began operations on August 2, 1917. During the peak period of the Cushing field, there were approximately 250 plants of this type producing casinghead gasoline in the area. All of these plants have ceased” operation, except the Drumright Gasoline Plant No. 2.
This industrial structure was built and operated by Harry Sinclair of Sinclair Oil and Gas, one of the prominent companies to emerge from the Cushing field. It remained as a part of the Sinclair Company for over 52 years. Sinclair designated the Drumright plant as No. 2 because his No. 1 plant was located at Cleveland, Oklahoma which terminated operations in the mid-1950s. Using approximately 400 miles of pipeline, the Drumright Gasoline Plant No. 2 currently processes all the gasoline produced in the roughly 300 square mile area of the Cushing field.
Original equipment still in use at the plant includes a four cylinder vertical design Foos Gas Engine (165 h.p.), two 1600 barrel water storage towers, three gasoline storage tanks, and two Dean Brothers reciprocating pumps. The Foos Engine, installed in 1917, stands along two modern units to generate the plant's electricity. It formerly powered a 2-ply 22" x 85' leather drive-belt made from approximately 1000 cowhides.
The Drumright Gasoline Plant No. 2 provides a vital educational resource concerning early industrial complexes built during the oil boom periods including design of buildings, use of construction materials, arrangement of structures, and positioning of the plant in relation to its gathering system. Furthermore, the original structure and equipment furnish educational information concerning the early processes of extracting gasoline including both the compression/refrigeration and absorbent methods.
Local significance of the district:
The Drumright Gasoline Plant No. 2 began operations on August 2, 1917. During the peak period of the Cushing field, there were approximately 250 plants of this type producing casinghead gasoline in the area. All of these plants have ceased” operation, except the Drumright Gasoline Plant No. 2.
This industrial structure was built and operated by Harry Sinclair of Sinclair Oil and Gas, one of the prominent companies to emerge from the Cushing field. It remained as a part of the Sinclair Company for over 52 years. Sinclair designated the Drumright plant as No. 2 because his No. 1 plant was located at Cleveland, Oklahoma which terminated operations in the mid-1950s. Using approximately 400 miles of pipeline, the Drumright Gasoline Plant No. 2 currently processes all the gasoline produced in the roughly 300 square mile area of the Cushing field.
Original equipment still in use at the plant includes a four cylinder vertical design Foos Gas Engine (165 h.p.), two 1600 barrel water storage towers, three gasoline storage tanks, and two Dean Brothers reciprocating pumps. The Foos Engine, installed in 1917, stands along two modern units to generate the plant's electricity. It formerly powered a 2-ply 22" x 85' leather drive-belt made from approximately 1000 cowhides.
The Drumright Gasoline Plant No. 2 provides a vital educational resource concerning early industrial complexes built during the oil boom periods including design of buildings, use of construction materials, arrangement of structures, and positioning of the plant in relation to its gathering system. Furthermore, the original structure and equipment furnish educational information concerning the early processes of extracting gasoline including both the compression/refrigeration and absorbent methods.
Industry
Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1982.
About National Register Listings
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The state capital of Oklahoma is Oklahoma City, which was settled in 1889 during the Land Run of 1889, when settlers rushed to stake their claim on land that had previously been reserved for Native American tribes.
About Creek County
Creek County Timeline
Creek County, Oklahoma has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Creek Nation, which gave the county its name. These tribes thrived in the region, relying on the fertile land and abundant rivers for their sustenance.
In the mid-1800s, the U.S. government forced the Creek Nation to cede their lands through treaties, resulting in the establishment of Creek County. The area was then opened for settlement, attracting pioneers seeking new opportunities in the newly formed Indian Territory. The arrival of settlers brought significant changes to the region, with the growth of towns and the development of agriculture and commerce.
During the early 1900s, Creek County experienced a boom in the oil industry. The discovery of oil reserves led to a rapid influx of wealth and population in the area. Oil wells sprouted across the county, attracting workers and investors from far and wide. This oil boom brought a significant economic boost to Creek County, as well as infrastructure development such as roads and railways.
In recent years, Creek County has continued to evolve and diversify its economy. While the oil industry remains a prominent player, the county has also seen growth in other sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Creek County is home to a number of historical sites and natural attractions, including Keystone Lake and the Creek Nation Tribal Complex, which draw visitors from near and far.
Overall, Creek County's history is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its residents, who have overcome challenges and embraced opportunities to build a vibrant and thriving community in the heart of Oklahoma.
In the mid-1800s, the U.S. government forced the Creek Nation to cede their lands through treaties, resulting in the establishment of Creek County. The area was then opened for settlement, attracting pioneers seeking new opportunities in the newly formed Indian Territory. The arrival of settlers brought significant changes to the region, with the growth of towns and the development of agriculture and commerce.
During the early 1900s, Creek County experienced a boom in the oil industry. The discovery of oil reserves led to a rapid influx of wealth and population in the area. Oil wells sprouted across the county, attracting workers and investors from far and wide. This oil boom brought a significant economic boost to Creek County, as well as infrastructure development such as roads and railways.
In recent years, Creek County has continued to evolve and diversify its economy. While the oil industry remains a prominent player, the county has also seen growth in other sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism. Creek County is home to a number of historical sites and natural attractions, including Keystone Lake and the Creek Nation Tribal Complex, which draw visitors from near and far.
Overall, Creek County's history is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of its residents, who have overcome challenges and embraced opportunities to build a vibrant and thriving community in the heart of Oklahoma.
Creek County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Creek County, Oklahoma.
- 1892 - Creek County is established as a part of Oklahoma Territory.
- 1907 - Oklahoma becomes a state, and Creek County is incorporated within the new state.
- 1908 - Oil is discovered in Creek County, leading to an economic boom.
- 1923 - The Creek County Courthouse, located in Sapulpa, is completed.
- 1937 - The Creek County Fair is established, becoming an annual event.
- 1961 - The Turner Turnpike, a toll road running through Creek County, is opened.
- 1979 - The Creek County Jail is built in Sapulpa.
- 1999 - A tornado strikes Creek County, causing significant damage.
- 2010 - Creek County celebrates its centennial anniversary.