TONKAWA–THREE SANDS FIELD. In 1920 oilman Ernest W. Marland, on the advice of E. Park "Spot" Geyer, who headed his geology department, became convinced that there was oil to be found southwest of Ponca City near the town of Tonkawa.

The Three Sands oilfield. The sudden expansion of this field left its mark on the surrounding countryside seen in these open overflow pits and discarded equip-ment ( Source, Early Oklahoma Oil ).

However, when Marland discovered the Tonkawa or Three Sands Field in 1921, the oil legacy of north-central Oklahoma was assured, as was the future of Marland Oil Company, the forerunner of Ponca City-based Conoco.

Photograph of the burning of Amanada Petroleum Corporations No. 2, 5 and 15 oil rigs on the goltry Lease, 34-25-10 Tonkawa, May 16, 1923. Photo by EJ Banks, Wichita, KS.

Photograph of the Tonkawa Oil Field. In the foreground is the Gypsy Gas Plant. Perhaps owned by the Gypsy Oil Company.

Photograph of the north end of the Tonkawa oil field. Photo by EJ Banks, Wichita, KS

Photograph of a long range view from the top of Derrick Gaume 14-A in the Tonkawa Oil Field.

Photograph of a bird's eye view from the top of Derrick AH Rence No. 2 in the Tonkawa Oil Field.

Photograph from Clark no.34 of three derricks at the Tonkawa Oil Field. Photo by EJ Banks, Wichita, KS.

Oct 21, 2023 · Photograph of an oil field in Tonkawa, OK, c. 1920.