The Active Historian

Hey, friend! Welcome back to another post. Today, I want to show you the historic marker at the Belle Isle Library in Oklahoma for the Birthplace of the Reflection Seismograph. I didn’t know this marker existed until I stumbled across it on a list. I learned something new after visiting this one for sure! Let’s get started!

Front Transcription

Birthplace of the Reflection Seismograph

Field tests which confirmed the validity of the reflection seismograph method of prospecting for oil were conducted near this spot on June 4, 1921. The shot has virtually echoed around the world. This monument was erected on the Golden Anniversary 1921-1971 by the Geophysical Society of Oklahoma City to commemorate the event. 

Mississippian – 300 Million Years Old 

Hunter – 350 Million Years Old 

Back Transcription

Near this spot in 1921 four Oklahomans conducted initial tests that proved the validity of the reflection seismograph as a useful tool in the search for oil. The men were J. Clarence Karcher, William P. Haseman, Irving Perrine and William C. Kite. 

The reflection method has been applied on land and sea and the results far surpassed the wildest dreams of the men who observed the first seismic reflections in the search for oil. 

Viola – 450 Million Years Old 

Arbuckle – 500 Million Years Old 

The reflection seismograph method has allowed the geophysicist to map geological formations at depths in excess of 5 miles. Some of the formations mapped are used in this monument during the past 50 years. Billions of barrels of oil and trillions of cubic feet of gas have been found by applying this method enabling our nation to pass from a horse and coal economy to an industrial petroleum economy. Oil and gas run our automobiles, trains and airplanes, generate electricity to run our industries, light our cities and air condition our homes, and do a host of other good things for mankind. 

Visit

5501 N Villa Ave.

Oklahoma City, OK 73112

Sources

Historic Marker