Oil and Gas History of Kentucky
A Timeline
1543 – 1858
http://www.uky.edu/KGS/emsweb/history/predrake.htm
1860 – 1900
http://www.uky.edu/KGS/emsweb/history/1860to1900.htm
1901 to Present
http://www.uky.edu/KGS/emsweb/history/modern.htm
The Illinois Basin
The Illinois Basin has a long and rich history of energy and mineral production that has been an essential economic component of the region.
Discovery of new deposits and perhaps new deposit types will be needed to maintain annual revenues of over $3.5 billion from fossil fuel and mineral production in Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky as known deposits are depleted. Minerals and energy raw materials will continue to play a vital role in the economic future of the mid-continent region. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has initiated numerous studies of the basin supporting exploration efforts to locate new sources that will be needed to satisfy future demand for raw materials
The USGS has forged a partnership with the Illinois Basin Consortium (IBC) to advance the geological understanding of the basin.
The USGS and the State Geological Surveys of Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky (which form the IBC) have begun to integrate their knowledge of the geologic framework and fluid dynamics of the Illinois Basin as they assess the potential for resources in order to promote economic development. USGS and IBC have conducted collaborative studies in a region which has produced over 9 billion tons of coal and over 4 billion barrels of oil. A digital base map of the basin is being compiled in order to display and transfer geologic data efficiently. Public forums, hosted jointly by the USGS and the IBC, are one method used to disseminate information.
Big Sinking Field – Still Producing Since 1919
This is a view of the George Booth farm in Lee County, Kentucky in the Big Sinking Field. The field has historic production in excess of 80 million barrels of oil and is still producing today. This property was operated by the Quaker Oil Company at the time of the photo. Photo by W. R. Jillson, March, 1919.
Ross Creek, Estill County, Eastern Kentucky
The Ross Creek oil pool in Estill County, eastern Kentucky, during its development, was by far the most active in the State. The activity was brought on by the division and sale of a large tract (the J. F. Harris farm) into drilling lots of 20 x 40 feet. There were about 20 oil companies drilling this farm including the Comet Oil Co., the original lessee. In the view, there are 15 producing wells and 4 drilling rigs. Photo by W. R. Jillson, 1919.
The photo to the right shows a view of the J. F. Harris farm, 3.5 miles from Evelyn, Kentucky. The property shown is being developed by the Mason and Dixon Oil Company. The dark objects in the foreground are wooden oil storage tanks. Photo by R. L. McClure, March, 1919.
