Oliver Winfield Killam
Mirando City, Webb County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Discoverer of first commercial oil field in south Texas; founder of Mirando City, as base of operations. Born in Lincoln county, Mo.; graduated in law at University of Missouri, 1898. Operated stores and lumber yards and served 8 years in legislature of Oklahoma. Came to Texas to explore for oil in 1920. After drilling twice unsuccessfully, he brought in as a pumper the first commercial well south of San Antonio, Mirando Oil Co. No. 3 Hinnant, April 17, 1921. With Colon Schott of Cincinnati, Oh., drilled Schott No. 2 (1 mile south of here), which came in as a gusher Dec. 10, 1921 -- opening the south Texas oil boom. The U.S. Post Office in Mirando City opened May 18, 1922, to serve town that jumped suddenly in population to a reputed 13,000. All sorts of businesses boomed; and churches, school, and medical facilities expanded. O. W. Killam was crowned "King Petrol" at Oil Men's Jubilee, Laredo, July 4, 1937. He was also esteemed by ranchers aware of oil lease benefits to the area. Killam and his wife Hattie (Smith) had 3 children: Winfield (Hank, now deceased), Louise (Mrs. John Hurd, also deceased), and Radcliffe. The O. W. Killam shops and Radcliffe Killam's oil operations continue as Mirando City celebrates its 50th anniversary. (1972)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
A Missouri-born lawyer and former Oklahoma legislator, Oliver Winfield Killam came to Texas in 1920 chasing oil. After two dry holes, his Mirando Oil Co. brought in the first commercial well south of San Antonio in 1921, and a gusher that December opened the South Texas oil boom. The instant town of Mirando City he founded swelled to a reported 13,000, sprouting stores, churches, schools, and a post office almost overnight.
Why it matters
Killam's strike extended the great Texas oil rush into the state's southern reaches, turning ranchland into a booming petroleum economy that reshaped the region.
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Related people
- · Oliver Winfield Killam
- · Hattie Smith Killam
- · Radcliffe Killam
Related events
- · South Texas oil boom
Themes & tags
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