Wildcatter

This article is about oil exploration. For the 1937 American film, see The Wildcatter.
For other uses, see wildcat cartridge and wildcat strike.

A wildcatter is an individual who drills wildcat wells, which are exploration oil wells drilled in areas not known to be oil fields.[1] Notable wildcatters include Glenn McCarthy, Thomas Baker Slick Sr., Mike Benedum, Joe Trees, Clem S. Clarke, and Columbus Marion Joiner; Joiner is responsible for finding the East Texas Oil Field in 1930.

The term was used in the early oil industry in western Pennsylvania. Oil wells in unproven territory were called "wild cat" wells from mid-1870, and those who drilled them were called "wild-catters" by 1876.[2][3] For instance, the Titusville Herald noted in 1880: "The discovery of the fluid in New York State was the signal for a general exodus of wildcatters from all parts of the oil country ..."[4]

  1. ^ "Wildcatter Definition". Dictionary.com.
  2. ^ "Monthly Petroleum Report", Titusville Morning Herald, July 12, 1870, p.3 c.3.
  3. ^ Tionesta (PA) The Forest Republican, October 11, 1876, p.3 c.2.
  4. ^ "From Parker City," Titusville (Penn.) Herald, March 1, 1880, p. 3.