1920s Oil Field Map with Hand Painted Land Rights Grids | Louis W. Hill
Here we have a rare wall-size oil map from the Louis W. Hill estate with hand-colored land plots You think data visualization is new development? Think again, this beauty was likely produced in the 1920s (or earlier). Not to mention, the huge map turned into an abstract powerhouse. Then you add the hand-drawn black symbols representing the status of the wells. They're everywhere! So much information to take in, but the overall piece is the thing that will stop them in their tracks. Then they'll spend eons taking in every parcel of color schemes. Yes, it's safe to say I'm excited about the piece. And I can't imagine the amount of time it took to put this mammoth together. A stunner.
The huge oil field map comes out of Louis W. Hill estate. On the reverse, the following is written:
"From Feb 22-4-A - L.W. Hill oil papers Map was not contained in folder and was not attached to correspondence."
Based on the Township and Range dimensions, the map is in one of the following states: Wisconsin, Indiana, or Missouri. I'm open to any ideas.
Here are a few of the companies represented in the color coding legend: - Sunburst Oil and Gas Co - Big West Oil Co - Dakota -Montana Company - Potlatch Oil & Refining Company - O'Neil Brothers - Gypsy Oil Co - Western Petroleum Exploration Company - Queen City Oil Co
Louis Warren Hill (May 19, 1872– April 27, 1948), was an American railroad executive. He was the president and board chairman of the Great Northern Railway, which served a substantial area of the Upper Midwest, the northern Great Plains, and Pacific Northwest.
In the middle of the first decade after 1900, Louis began to take over management of the Great Northern Railway. He was named president in 1907 and board chairman in 1912, although his father James continued to retain much control until his death in 1916. Louis expanded his interests far beyond railroads: he was at the forefront of the oil and auto transport industries and was a major player in land development in Montana and California, in finance, and in copper mining.
The rare oil field map measures 53" wide by 37" tall. The paper is thicker than normal. The piece was folded in storage, and will be shipped folded. The map shows normal wear from age and use. There are a few spots with old tape repairs on the reverse. Please see all pics as they are part of the description.
Imagine this mammoth visual framed on your wall. Only history can produce something like this beauty. Unreal