7/19/2024

7/19/2024

Landmark information

  • Location:
    NE corner of Mattole Rd and Front St, Petrolia
  • Plaque:
    Official State Plaque
  • Site:
    Nothing Remains
  • Date First Visited:
    3/9/2001
  • Date Most Recently Visited:
    7/19/2024
  • GPS Coordinates:
    N 40 19.466, W 124 17.228

About this landmark

Plaque text:

California's First
Drilled Oil Wells
California's first drilled oil wells producing crude to be refined and sold commercially were located on the north fork of the Mattole River approximately three miles east of here. The old Union Mattole Oil Company made the first shipment of oil from here in June 1865 to a San Francisco refinery. Many old well heads remain today.