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Historical marker notes the first deep well drilled in the Central Valley

Posted by: Maven on March 17, 2010 at 7:01 am

From the Historical Marker Database, this webpage on a historical marker in Selma noting the first deep well drilled in the Central Valley:

“[Inscription of marker]Groundwater Irrigation Beginnings:

The San Joaquin Valley’s groundwater reservoir was first tapped with a practical pumping plant 4 miles northeast of here on Dec. 12, 1894. William De La Grange of Selma, tired of upstream irrigationists draining Kings River water from the canal he used, drilled a pioneering open bottom well. Using steam power, he pumped 350 gallons of water per minute onto his ranch at the southeast corner of Manning and Bethel Ave’s. The plant attracted great attention. Within several years, groundwater irrigation was common and pumps were being powered by electricity. De La Grange, by 1900, opened Selma’s first well drilling business. … “

Find out more by clicking here.

March 17, 2010 · Filed Under San Joaquin Valley

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