A brief history of the oil industry

The world’s first oil wells were drilled in China as long ago as 3000 B.C . The Chinese used simple tools to drill these wells; they used bamboo poles much like modern cable tools. The sticky material they extracted was then used as a source of fuel.

 

 After centuries, oil was found across Asia and Europe. Sometimes it appears or accumulates in natural pools above the ground. Travelers and settlers also used this black liquid for fuel as well as for medical treatment.

In the mid-19 century, the modern oil Industry began. In August of 1859, colonel Edwin drake discovered the first underground oil reservoir near Titusville, Pennsylvania (USA) , the first well was drilled with the intent of finding and producing oil, a well of only 21 meters (69 feet) deep was drilled. 

 

After that, Drake worked for the Pennsylvania Rock Oil Company which wanted to use the oil to light street lamps. Drake’s well initially produced 30 barrels of oil per day (b/d). Its success marked the beginning of the modern oil industry.

Oil soon began to receive more attention from the scientific community. A variety of products were developed from crude oil. For example, kerosene was one of the first products, it was used for heating. Then other products for instance, gasoline and diesel …were also developed. These products forever changed America’s economy, standard of living, and culture.