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Today, March 6, 1935, the Pioneer Oil Refinery was designated a historical landmark. On this day, we honor the world's oldest surviving oil refinery, which is nearly 150 years old. Built in 1876 to process petroleum from California's first oil boom town, Mentryville, the refinery operated from 1876 to 1888, though the site remained in use until the late 1920s.
Now, the area is being transformed into a public park, with the first phase set for completion in Spring 2025. This phase will provide visitors with public restrooms, picnic tables, parking lots, and other infrastructure to support park use. The 250-acre development aims to complete its second phase in Fall 2025, giving new purpose to the refinery that once helped light the city's streets.
