Site information:

NE corner Mattole Rd and Front St, Petrolia

40.324407,-124.287101

Plaque information:

State plaque

Plaque text:

California's First Drilled Oil Wells

California's first drilled oil wells producing crude to be refined and sold commercially were located on the north fork of the Mattole River approximately three miles east of here. The old Union Mattole Oil Company made its first shipment of oil from here in June 1865 to a San Francisco refinery. many old well heads remain today.

Plaque placed by the California State Park Commission in cooperation with the Eureka Oil Information Committee and the Western Oil and Gas Association. November 10, 1955

Registered 11/2/1955