The Golden Driller is reportedly the largest free-standing statue in the world. He is 76 feet tall, so high that he rests his right hand atop an actual production oil derrick. Built of iron and concrete, he weighs nearly 22 tons and is expected to survive 200 mph tornadoes. He was declared Oklahoma's official state monument in 1979, and the plaque at his base dedicates him "to the men of the petroleum industry who by their vision and daring have created from God's abundance a better life for mankind."
There is surprisingly little room between the Golden Driller and the parking lot, and standing near his base provides a steep and somewhat saucy angle. Every few years some official talks of moving him deeper into the Fairgrounds, where he would be less likely to alarm passing motorists. But The Golden Driller remains where he has been for over 40 years, guarding the entrance to the International Petroleum Exhibition Building, which showcases trucks with three-story-tall tires and the latest models in back yard derricks.
Today was a windy day in Oklahoma. We visited the RV and Boat Show and I shot this photo of the Golden Driller. He was built in 1953.
****Disclaimer***I know this is not the largest statue in the world. Not by far. This was just information about the driller from an old article. :))
****Disclaimer***I know this is not the largest statue in the world. Not by far. This was just information about the driller from an old article. :))
