Anthony F. Lucasdiscoverer of the first major gusher in Texas
Anthony F. Lucas (Antun Lucic) (Split 1855, Washington 1925) discovered the first major gusher in Texas,
The Lucas gusher, flowing at the rate of 80,000 to 100,000 barrels per day.
It blew in January 1901, and about 50,000 people came to see it.
This meant the first massive exploitation of oil and petroleum in history.
A museum with 18 m high granite obelisk was built in honor to the Lucas gusher in Spindletop.
There is also 1,5 m granite monument of Lucic with inscription saying that
his discovery revolutionarized industry and transport,…
and changed lives of people in the whole world.
The American Institute for Geological and Metalurgical Investigations founded a prize
Anthony F. Lucas Gold Medal.
In 2005 we commemorated hundred and fifty years since his birth, and eighty years since his death.
Submitted by Darko Zubrinic, Zagreb
www.croatianhistory.net
