Historical Significance of the Macksburg Oil Field, Ohio

Abstract

Considered one of the earliest producing oil fields in Ohio, the Macksburg Oil Field surrounds the town of Macksburg in Washington County and extends southwest to the Ohio River. Drilling activity first began in 1860 on a piece of land owned by William Rayley. In a joint endeavor, Rayley allowed James Dutton, Alden T. Warren, and John Smithson to drill on his land fronting Duck Creek. This location was selected for drilling due to the visible oil seepage on the surface of the creek. Early accounts recall swimmers emerging from Duck Creek with a film of oil on their skin. At the time, these seepages were known to be indicative of oil-producing locations. The Duck Creek drilling site became the first producing well for the Macksburg Oil Field. Ensuing industrial development in the region provided the framework for pipelines, railways, and refinement operations in Ohio. Along with new infrastructure, oil and gas companies developed new technologies for enhanced secondary recovery. The rapid expansion and production of southeastern Ohio brought the state to the forefront of the United States petroleum industry. Since the beginning of the state’s period of industrial oil and gas production, Ohio has produced over one billion barrels of oil and over nine trillion cubic feet of natural gas. From historical beginnings to the present day, Ohio’s importance in the petroleum industry continues to grow with the use of unconventional drilling methods (such as horizontal hydraulic fracturing) all with roots that began in the Macksburg Oil Field.

AAPG Datapages/Search and Discovery Article #90373 © 2019 AAPG Eastern Section Meeting, Energy from the Heartland, Columbus, Ohio, October 12-16, 2019