Texas Historical Marker #03854
Oliver Winfield Killam. Discoverer of first commercial oil field in south Texas; founder of Mirando City, as base of operations. Born in Lincoln county, Mo.; graduated in law at University of Missouri, 1898. Operated stores and lumber yards and served 8 years in legislature of Oklahoma. Came to Texas to explore for oil in 1920. After drilling twice unsuccessfully, he brought in as a pumper the first commercial well south of San Antonio, Mirando Oil Co. No. 3 Hinnant, April 17, 1921. With Colon Schott of Cincinnati, Oh., drilled Schott No. 2 (1 mile south of here), which came in as a gusher Dec. 10, 1921 -- opening the south Texas oil boom. The U.S. Post Office in Mirando City opened May 18, 1922, to serve town that jumped suddenly in population to a reputed 13,000. All sorts of businesses boomed; and churches, school, and medical facilities expanded. O. W. Killam was crowned "King Petrol" at Oil Men's Jubilee, Laredo, July 4, 1937. He was also esteemed by ranchers aware of oil lease benefits to the area. Killam and his wife Hattie (Smith) had 3 children: Winfield (Hank, now deceased), Louise (Mrs. John Hurd, also deceased), and Radcliffe. The O. W. Killam shops and Radcliffe Killam's oil operations continue as Mirando City celebrates its 50th anniversary. (1972) #3854
FM 649, Mirando City, TX, United States
Texas Historical Marker #01393
Education in Mirando City. Mirando City was founded in 1921 by oilman O.W. Killam as the center of trade for a nearby oil field he discovered. Although a block of land on Main Street was set aside in the original town plat for the establishment of a school, organization of the institution did not begin until the following year. Under an agreement that funds for teachers' salaries would be provided equally by Killam and local residents, a private school opened in 1922 under the leadership of Mrs. H. E. Laird. Public education in Mirando City began in 1923 with the creation of an independent school district. A bond election that same year provided the necessary operational funds. As the city continued to grow, teachers and programs were added. Following the death in 1929 of superintendent W. H. Herrington, J. W. Edgar (b. 1904) was chosen to direct the school district. A native of Burnet County, he served for seven years. In 1950 Dr. Edgar was appointed the first Commissioner of Education for the state of Texas and continued to direct the operations of the Texas Education Agency until 1974. Since the early days of Mirando City, local schools have reflected public concern for quality education. (1981) #1393
Panther Drive, Mirando City, TX, United States