FIRST - Commercial Oil Well in North America
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Hard Oiler
N 42° 46.380 W 082° 07.245
17T E 408313 N 4736216
Located at the Oil Museum in Oil Springs, Ontario is the site of the first commercial oil well in North America, discovered by James Miller Williams in 1858.
Waymark Code: WMAX8
Location: Ontario, Canada
Date Posted: 04/20/2006
Views: 99
The first published account of James Miller William's discovery was in the Sarnia Observer on August 28th 1858 which reported "an abundant supply of mineral oil which the owners of the land were taking steps for making available for the purpose of light etc." On December 30th the Sarnia Observer described the first product as “A beautiful burning oil…..it’s properties so great that an ordinary sized lamp, giving a light equal to six or eight candles, can be kept burning at the rate of one-quarter cent per hour.
James Miller William’s discovery marked the birth of the oil industry and the first time that an inexpensive oil was available for providing homes and businesses with lamplight at night.
William’s accomplishments were recognized at the International Exhibition in London, England in 1862 where he was awarded two medals, one for being the first to produce crude oil and the second for his refined oils.
A national historic site plaque is located close to the well site (see pictures below).
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