The Discovery of the Clarence Iverson #1 Well in North Dakota
- The discovery of oil in North Dakota on April 4, 1951, marked the beginning of an economic transformation that reshaped the state's financial and cultural landscape.
- The well was drilled by Amerada Petroleum after four months of effort that began in late 1950.
- This discovery revealed the existence of the Williston Basin, a prolific petroleum basin spanning 134,000 square miles across North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Canada.
The discovery of oil in North Dakota on April 4, 1951, marked the beginning of an economic transformation that reshaped the state’s financial and cultural landscape. The strike occurred at the Clarence Iverson #1 well, located on a wheat field near Tioga and served as the first commercial oil well in the state.
The well was drilled by Amerada Petroleum after four months of effort that began in late 1950. The drilling team endured a severe North Dakota winter, including blizzards in January, before the well produced oil at approximately 1:00 a.m. On April 4, 1951.
This discovery revealed the existence of the Williston Basin, a prolific petroleum basin spanning 134,000 square miles across North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Canada. The quality of the amber-colored oil found in the area was high enough that it could have been used to run a diesel engine directly from the well.
Economic and Infrastructure Impact
The initial strike triggered a rapid expansion of interest in the region; within two months of the discovery, 30 million acres were under lease. While early drilling efforts had been limited by the technology of the era, breakthroughs in the 1950s eventually unlocked access to the state’s deep reserves.
A second wave of innovation beginning in 2006, characterized by the use of hydraulic fracturing and horizontal drilling, further propelled the state to global prominence. These advances contributed to the United States becoming a net exporter of oil and natural gas and achieving energy independence.
Currently, North Dakota’s oil and natural gas industry produces more than one million barrels of oil daily. The sector supports approximately 63,000 jobs and generates nearly $50 billion in annual economic impact.
The industry also provides significant public funding through taxes, fees, and royalties, which total more than $4 billion annually. These funds support K-12 education in every community and the development of critical infrastructure projects throughout the state.
The Legacy Fund and Public Benefits
A primary outcome of these revenues is the $14 billion Legacy Fund, which is funded entirely by oil and natural gas revenues to secure the state’s long-term financial future. This fund supports various initiatives, including a $1,600 property tax break for every homeowner.
Social and Cultural Transformation
Beyond the financial metrics, the oil industry has acted as a second economic engine alongside agriculture. This shift has allowed generations of North Dakotans to remain in or return to their home communities.
Ron Ness, president of the North Dakota Petroleum Council, notes that this development has altered the state’s demographics. Over the last 20 years, North Dakota has transitioned from being one of the oldest states to being one of the youngest states as more young people find opportunities to live and work there.
Ron Ness, North Dakota Petroleum Council president
It’s not about the oil. It’s not about the money… It’s about the ability of North Dakotans to have an opportunity to live and work in North Dakota.
Kathy Neset, a geologist and president of NESET and a Tioga native, has identified the youth of the state as the most exciting aspect of this ongoing development.
The historical significance of the original discovery site is preserved by a granite marker dedicated in 1953 on the Iverson family farm in Tioga, commemorating the well that launched the Williston Basin drilling boom.