History buffs will want to search out this rig on the campus of the University of Texas. This little piece of machinery stands as a powerful symbol of the riches UT gained from the legendary Santa Rita oil well in Reagan County (in West Texas). On the morning of May 28, 1923, oil gushed forth from the well in Big Lake Oil Field on UT lands. For 19 years this oil rig worked to draw the black gold to the surface and help catapult the struggling university to fame as a first-class institution. (UT became one of Austin’s economic pillars along the way.) For just short of 67 years, the Santa Rita oil well pumped money into the UT system. The rig was relocated to this site near Martin Luther King, Jr and Trinity Streets in 1940, under the leadership of the Texas State Historical Association.
When we visited the oil rig, we were amazed that they had an audio of the history playing from a speaker. Especially since this display is outside.
Admission:Free (as this is outside)
Handicapped Accessibility:
There is a sidewalk on three sides of the display which allows you to see the markers located on those three sides. Making the site very accessible to persons of all mobility.
Location:
Trinity and Martin Luther King JR
View Larger Map
 |
| photo by Kevin Surbaugh |
When we visited the oil rig, we were amazed that they had an audio of the history playing from a speaker. Especially since this display is outside.
 |
| photo by Kevin Surbaugh |
Admission:Free (as this is outside)
 |
| photo by Kevin Surbaugh |
Handicapped Accessibility:
There is a sidewalk on three sides of the display which allows you to see the markers located on those three sides. Making the site very accessible to persons of all mobility.
 |
| photo by Kevin Surbaugh |
Location:
Trinity and Martin Luther King JR
View Larger Map
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