The history and archaeology of the oil and gas industry has received little attention in cultural resource management. The sites of early exploration activity are being destroyed rapidly due, in part, to the fact that field archaeologists and historians have not been educated on the scientific and historical importance of this industry to the American culture. This thesis is an attempt to begin the education process. The document begins with an overview of the historical developments on a national level and in the State of Wyoming. Attention is then focused on the physical remains that can be found in the field with guidance on the identification, interpretation, and evaluation of the remains. The thesis concludes with the development of research, designs and avenues of future inquiry.