Charles J. Mankin¹

(1) Oklahoma Geological Survey and The University of Oklahoma Energy Center, Norman, OK

ABSTRACT: Oklahoma and the Petroleum Industry: An Enduring Partnership

The Nellie Johnstone #1 discovered commercial quantities of petroleum in 1897, and that set off a frenzy of drilling activities in Oklahoma and Indian Territories, an area that later became Oklahoma. In the next ten years, production increased to more than 43 million barrels per year, making Oklahoma the largest oil-producing entity in the world at Statehood in 1907.

From the beginning, the fortunes of Oklahoma and that of the petroleum industry in the state were intertwined. Small operators with large discoveries soon became large companies, and a number of the major companies can trace their roots to these early days in Oklahoma.

This activity in Oklahoma also spawned the need for scientific and professional organizations. The American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) was established in 1918 in Tulsa. The Society of Economic Paleontologists and Mineralogists (SEPM) was founded in 1926 as a division of AAPG. The Society of Exploration Geophysicists began as a division of AAPG in 1930.

Philanthropy became an important activity for many who made their fortunes in the petroleum industry. The long list of museums, hospitals, educational institutions, libraries, parks, and foundations is a lasting tribute to these amazing men and women that "brought Oklahoma to the dance" at Statehood.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90906©2001 AAPG Annual Convention, Denver, Colorado