Northwest Extension Oilfield

     Oil exploration and production 
in this area was minimal until April 17, 1919, 
when the Bob Waggoner Well No. 1 
blew in at 4,800 barrels per day. It was 
the first well in what became known as 
the Northwest Extension Oilfield, 
comprised of approximately 27 square 
miles on the former S. Burk Burnett Wild 
Horse Ranch. R. M. "Bob" Waggoner's 
well led to a boom, and the area was 
suddenly thick with oil derricks. The 
hastily organized tent cities of Thrift, 
Springtown, Morgan City, Waggoner 
City, Bridgetown and Bradley's Corner 
supported the industry. Today, sparsely 
sited pump jacks continue to draw oil, 
but in far smaller quantities than the 
early wells of Wichita County. 
                                                              (2004)

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      Located on SH240, west of Burkburnett, Texas.
      GPS: 34-degrees 05; 46.7" N  98-degrees 37' 51.0" W

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       The markers for Thrift and the Northwest Extension Oilfield stand side by side along SH240, west of Burkburnett, Texas.

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