Mentryville, CA

 town, place with historical importance, oil field

California Star Oil Works formed in 1876, and it was one of their drillers – Alex Mentry – who is credited with sinking the hole that started the oil bonanza in California. Mentry’s well No. 4 in Pico Canyon spewed the then-formidable 50 barrels of oil a day. Soon, the small enclave known as Pico Springs changed its name to Mentryville.

Well No. 4 continued to produce oil until it was capped in 1990, and what’s left of Mentryville remains one of the most historic spots in the Santa Clarita Valley. Although some of the buildings have been moved, they’re still original structures that offer a glimpse into the valley’s past. During the deadly and devastating wildfires of 2003, firefighters did a valiant job of making a stand at Mentryville and successfully protecting it from the flames.

www.sepcopublishing.com/sc/History.html