so, apparently california is (well, used to be) naturally rich in petroleum, that was so close to the surface that you could just stick your hand in the ground to reach it.

these photos are from 1910 - 1955, California, USA.

cross-posted from: https://feddit.org/post/35897819

source: https://rarehistoricalphotos.com/oil-derricks-california-old-photos/

(Oil derricks line a road outside Los Angeles. 1930.)

there's many more pics on that website

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[–] 37 points 1 day ago (2 children)

I had heard about this, but didn't expect them to be so dense. It's a literal hellscape metal forest.

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