The Gas That Wouldn't Burn - Dexter, KS
Posted by: 
The Snowdog
N 37° 06.640 W 096° 42.945
14S E 702963 N 4109590
A historical marker south of Dexter, Kansas.
Waymark Code: WM11TC3
Location: Kansas, United States
Date Posted: 12/15/2019
Views: 12
This historical marker is found at the intersection of US 166 and Kansas Highway 15, about five miles south of Dexter, Kansas. There is plenty of room to pull out and park to view the marker. Supported by two wood posts on a rock foundation, the two-sided sign bears the same text on both sides. It commemorates the discovery of a natural gas well, but with an unexpected twist...
Marker Name: The Gas That Wouldn't Burn
Marker Type: Roadside
Marker text:
KANSAS HISTORICAL MARKER
THE GAS THAT WOULDN'T BURN
Natural gas in this locality was first found in 1903
at Dexter, five miles north. The town, envisioning a
prosperous future, advertised its discovery far and
wide. Crowds gathered to see the well fired, then watched
in dismay as the roaring gas blew out every flame
brought near it. For two years it was scornfully called
"wind gas." Then analysis revealed that it contained
almost two per cent helium.
The primary discovery of helium in natural gas is
credited to Professors H.P. Cady and D.F. McFarland
of the University of Kansas. Helium was first used in
balloons during World War I. For a few years beginning
in 1927, a privately owned commercial plant at Dexter
suplied gas for Navy dirigibles. Later, valuable uses
developed in industry. In the 1950s demand soard when
helium became essential to the operation of nuclear
reactors and ballistic missiles. Though Dexter's well
no longer produces, the torch that wouldn't burn lighted
the way to a multi-million dollar industry.
Erected by Kansas Historical Society & State Highway Commission
Marker Location: Cowley
Official Marker Number: 59
Name of agency setting marker: Other (Please identify in marker text)
Marker Web Address: [Web Link]
Year Marker Placed: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
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