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[[Ponca City]] , Oklahoma]]

Ponca City , Oklahoma]]

Ponca City's history has been shaped for the most part by the ebb and flow of the petroleum industry. The [[Marland Oil Company]], which once controlled approximately 10 percent of the world's oil reserves, was founded by eventual Oklahoma governor and U.S. congressman [[E. W. Marland]], who drilled his first successful oil well on land he leased from the [[Ponca]] Tribe of [[American Indians in the United States|American Indians]] in 1911.  

Ponca City's history has been shaped for the most part by the ebb and flow of the petroleum industry. The [[Marland Oil Company]], which once controlled approximately 10 percent of the world's oil reserves, was founded by eventual Oklahoma governor and U.S. congressman [[E. W. Marland]], who drilled his first successful oil well on land he leased from the [[Ponca]] Tribe of [[American Indians in the United States|American Indians]] in 1911.  

Marland's luck and tenacity would fuel growth and wealth that were previously unimaginable on the Oklahoma prairie, and his company virtually built the city from the ground up. Decadent 1920s mansions -- including the famed Marland Mansion and Grand Home -- were built by Marland and his associates. Because of this period of wealth and affluence, Ponca City has an unusually high concentration of buildings that exemplify the popular Spanish revival architecture of the period, as well as [[art deco]]-influenced buildings and homes.

Marland's luck and tenacity would fuel growth and wealth that were previously unimaginable on the Oklahoma prairie, and his company virtually built the city from the ground up. Decadent 1920s mansions—including the famed Marland Mansion and Grand Home—were built by Marland and his associates. Because of this period of wealth and affluence, Ponca City has an unusually high concentration of buildings that exemplify the popular Spanish revival architecture of the period, as well as [[art deco]]-influenced buildings and homes.

The so-called "Roaring 20s" would come to an end for Ponca City shortly before the Great Depression. After a takeover bid by J.P. Morgan Jr., son of famed financier [[J.P. Morgan]], Marland Oil Co. eventually merged with Continental Oil Co. ([[Conoco]]) in the late 1920s and would be known as Conoco for more than 70 years. The company maintained its headquarters in Ponca City during this time and continued to grow into a global corporation.

The so-called "Roaring 20s" would come to an end for Ponca City shortly before the Great Depression. After a takeover bid by J.P. Morgan Jr., son of famed financier [[J.P. Morgan]], Marland Oil Co. eventually merged with Continental Oil Co. ([[Conoco]]) in the late 1920s and would be known as Conoco for more than 70 years. The company maintained its headquarters in Ponca City during this time and continued to grow into a global corporation.

Based in [[Houston]], Texas, ConocoPhillips continues to operate one of the United States' largest refineries in Ponca City, as well as offices at the former Phillips Petroleum corporate headquarters in [[Bartlesville]], [[Oklahoma]]. The company's presence is much smaller than it once was, and Ponca City's population has declined steadily since the early 1990s as a result. However, recent efforts to grow the city's economy beyond the petroleum industry have landed a number of technology, manufacturing and service jobs.

Based in [[Houston]], Texas, ConocoPhillips continues to operate one of the United States' largest refineries in Ponca City, as well as offices at the former Phillips Petroleum corporate headquarters in [[Bartlesville]], [[Oklahoma]]. The company's presence is much smaller than it once was, and Ponca City's population has declined steadily since the early 1990s as a result. However, recent efforts to grow the city's economy beyond the petroleum industry have landed a number of technology, manufacturing and service jobs.

In 2005, ConocoPhillips announced plans to build a $5 million dollar museum across from its Ponca City refinery.  Opened to the public in May, 2007, the [[Conoco Museum]] features artifacts, photographs and other historical items related to the petroleum industry and its culture in northern Oklahoma.  A sister museum -- Phillips Petroleum Company Museum -- will also be opened in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

In 2005, ConocoPhillips announced plans to build a $5 million dollar museum across from its Ponca City refinery.  Opened to the public in May, 2007, the [[Conoco Museum]] features artifacts, photographs and other historical items related to the petroleum industry and its culture in northern Oklahoma.  A sister museum—Phillips Petroleum Company Museum—will also be opened in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

The [[Conoco Museum]] is funded by a private foundation, and ConocoPhillips allows free admission.

The [[Conoco Museum]] is funded by a private foundation, and ConocoPhillips allows free admission.

[[Category:Oklahoma Cities and Towns]]

[[Category:Oklahoma Cities and Towns]]