Region: Big Bend Country
With the 1928 discovery of oil, the town exploded into existence as hastily
constructed frame buildings and tents. The name, chosen in a contest, combines
names of the town site owners, Ira and Ann Yates.
Visit the city park to see a historical marker with details about the
Discovery Well A No. 1. A gusher blew in more than a half-century ago with a jet
of oil that sprayed the tent city four miles away. It remains one of the largest
producing wells in North America.