Mentryville
Where California Oil Began
State: California
County: Los Angeles County
Founded: 1876
Abandoned: 1930s
Peak Population: 700
Mentryville was the headquarters of California's first commercial oil operation. Charles Mentry managed oil fields that would eventually become Chevron. Original buildings including his mansion survive in this Los Angeles-area park.
Birth of California Oil
The Pico Canyon oil field was California's first commercial oil producer. Mentryville housed the workers and managers.
Preservation
The Mentry mansion, schoolhouse, and oil derrick are preserved and interpreted by the Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy.
Timeline
- 1876 - Founded Oil production began
- 1880s - Peak Major oil producer
- 1930s - Abandoned Oil production ended
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Year-round
Difficulty: Easy
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Quick Facts
- First commercial oil town in California
- Mentry mansion still stands
- Free public access
Location
Address: Pico Canyon, Santa Clarita, California
Coordinates: 34.4044, -118.5639