1936 Photo: Signal Hill Oil Field, Long Beach

Posted : October 27, 2023

Dive into the historical depths of the Long Beach's booming oil era, centering around the Signal Hill oil field during its prime in 1936. The featured image presents a mesmerizing landscape of the field, dutifully captured on the 14th of April, 1936, a testament to the industrial prowess that undeniably shaped the economic fortunes of the city. This invaluable pictorial relic is courteously provided by the UCLA Department of Geography, part of the coveted Benjamin and Gladys Thomas Air collection, that encapsulates significant moments of our past to chronicle a rich tapestry of historical narratives.
1. The text delves into the important historical period of Long Beach's oil boom, focusing on the Signal Hill oil field in 1936.
2. The UCLA Department of Geography, part of the Benjamin and Gladys Thomas Air collection, has provided an invaluable image providing pointed visual context to the city's industrial growth.
3. The image vividly illustrates the industrious landscape of Signal Hill's oil field in Long Beach as it was on April 14, 1936.
4. The photograph gives a rare insight into the past, reflecting the oil industry's peak and its role in significantly shaping the area's landscape.
5. The scenery of Signal Hill in the image is also a testament to the importance of oil manufacturing in the growth and development of early 20th-century California.
At its peak production in 1923, the Signal Hill oil field was the most productive oil field in the world, outputting over 68,000 barrels of oil per day.
The image vividly portrays the Signal Hill's oil field, located in Long Beach, as of April 14, 1936. This historical photograph originates from the collections of the UCLA Department of Geography, courtesy of the Benjamin and Gladys Thomas Air collection. Thus, offering us a rare glimpse into the past, painting a picture of the oil industry at its peak and how it significantly shaped the landscape of the area. The image not only captures the scenery of Signal Hill but also serves as a testament to the crucial role of oil manufacturing in the growth and development of early 20th century California.