Opinion

OPINION | Curtis Varnell: Boomers — Busey oil well no. 1 was the first big-time oil discovery in Arkansas

May 5, 2024 at 1:00 a.m.

by Curtis Varnell The Timepiece

Six months after the oil boom hit the El Dorado field, another giant oilfield was discovered 12 miles north near the small community Smackover. By 1925, it was the largest-producing oil field in the world. Above are Smackover roughnecks.

(Courtesy Photo/American Oil and Gas Historical Society) — Six months after the oil boom hit the El Dorado field, another giant oilfield was discovered 12 miles north near the small community Smackover. By 1925, it was the largest-producing oil field in the world. Above are Smackover roughnecks. (Courtesy Photo/American Oil and Gas Historical Society)

The ground shook and a rumbling came from deep within the ground. Fearful onlookers began to flee the immediate area. A black mushroom cloud rose high into the air, falling back onto the earth is dark, oily splotches.

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