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Visit the Golden Driller Statue
Tulsa, Oklahoma, once known as the 'Oil Capital of the World,' was built on one of the largest oil reserves globally. The city was characterized by numerous drilling derricks, even surrounding the state capitol, reflecting its rich petroleum heritage.
The iconic statue known as 'The Golden Driller' was not originally created by Tulsa but was commissioned by a Texas oilfield supply company for a trade show at the Tulsa State Fairgrounds in 1953. This initial giant figure was designed in a playful style, resembling a large brass statue with a broad grin and a tilted tin helmet. The popularity of the statue led the company to return six years later with a second temporary giant.
The permanent version of The Golden Driller, which stands at 76 feet tall, was erected on April 8, 1966. Distinct from its predecessors, this statue was modeled after local oilfield worker John Franklin Stephens Jr. It features a muscular design with a mustard-yellow finish and an expression characterized by strength and determination. The statue was crafted by George S. 'Grecco' Hondronastas, a Greek immigrant, who regarded this project as his most significant artistic achievement. Today, The Golden Driller remains a notable landmark in Tulsa, symbolizing the city's historical connection to the oil industry.
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