Oilfield Divers Monument

The Oilfield Divers Monument honors the vital contributions of the men and women who worked beneath the surface to advance the oil and gas industry. From the earliest overwater drilling operations, their skill and dedication have been essential in safely and efficiently producing our natural resources. This monument is a project of the International Petroleum Museum & Exposition in Morgan City, Louisiana. All donations are tax-deductible.

Proceeds also help fund the Investment for Oilfield Divers Monument Scholarship at South Louisiana Community College. In 2023, $3,000 was awarded to support three $1,000 scholarships in memory of Terry Burlson.

The offshore evolution of the oil and gas industry left a lasting impact on Louisiana’s culture, geography, and economy throughout the 20th century. What began as a bold experiment soon became a defining part of the state’s identity. In 1947, the world's first offshore oil well, drilled out of sight of land near Morgan City, ushered in a new era of innovation, resilience, and exploration that reshaped both the coastline and the communities who called it home.

Monument Location — Morgan City Monument Park Municipal Auditorium, Morgan City, LA

The Monument stands as a life-sized bronze statue honoring early oilfield divers who worked under extremely hazardous conditions. It highlights their contributions to offshore platform construction, installation, repair, and salvage.

Since the late 1800s, divers have supported oil and gas production worldwide, including the first overwater wells in California and Lake Caddo, Louisiana.

Our granite monument encapsulates early oilfield diving history and highlights advancements in safety, equipment, and procedures.

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