This timeline is just inside the entrance to the
Phillips Petroleum Company Museum. Admission to the museum is free. The panels go all the way from the floor to the ceiling. Although the photos are relatively clear, here is the timeline itself:
1905
Brothers Frank and L. E. Phillips strike their first "gusher," the Annie Anderson No. 1.
1917
Phillips Petroleum Company is incorporated.
1917
First "natural gasoline" plant near Bartlesville establishes Phillips as pioneers in extracting liquids from natural gas.
1919
Employees create first official company basketball team.
1924
Phillips becomes the largest producer of natural gas liquids and receives its first U. S. patent.
1925
First R&D laboratory is created, laying the stage for improved automobile fuels and the termination of the company's LP gas business.
1926
The Aviation Department is formed, highlighting the company's growing role in air travel.
1927
Phillips enters the petroleum refining business and opens its first gasoline service station, soon to carry the "66" logo.
1931
First long-distance multi-purpose pipeline is completed from Burger, Texas to East St. Louis, Illinois
1937
Philnews, the employee magazine, begins publication.
1937
The Jane Phillips Sorority is formed by 150 women in Bartlesville.
1938
Male employees establish the Phillips Men's Club.
1940
Research breakthroughs in high-octane aviation fuel become critical to Allied victory in WW II.
1942
Phillips becomes major factor in the natural gas industry with large additions to its reserves and pipeline system.
1944
Developments in the production of synthetic rubber lay the foundation for diversification into petrochemicals.
1946
First overseas oil production begins in Venezuela.
1948
Phillips launches major expansion of its refining and petrochemical operations.
1950
Phillips becomes first oil company to operate materials-testing nuclear reactors for the Atomic Energy Commission.
1951
Research discoveries in polypropylene and polyethylene resins launch Phillips' entry into the plastics business.
1952
Phillips becomes the first company to receive government approval to drill in Alaska.
1954
Trop-Arctic, the first all-season motor oil, is introduced.
1960
Phillips adds safety to air travel with the invention of an anti-icing additive for jet fuels.
1962
Phillips receives its 5,000th U. S. patent.
1962
Ryton, a tough new plastic, is invented to replace metals in specialized uses.
1969
Company discovers Ekofisk, the first major oil field in Western Europe.
1969
Phillips pioneers the shipment of liquified natural gas from Alaska to Japan.
1973
National company sponsorship of AAU swimming begins.
1974
At the height of the energy crisis, Phillips launches its highly successful "Performance Story" advertising campaign.
1975
A broadening into other energy sources begins as Phillips Coal Company is formed, followed by uranium, geothermal and other ventures.
Phillips receives its 10,000th U. S. patent.
1978
All major facilities are completed at the Ekofisk Complex, one of the world's largest offshore oil and gas production centers.
1980
Phillips' annual income surpasses $1 billion for the first time.
1983
After years of litigation, Phillips receives contested patent for crystalline polypropylene, discovered in early 1950s.
1984-5
Two unfriendly takeover attempts lead to a major financial restructuring, requiring asset sales and staff reductions.
1987
In a first-ever engineering feat, the Ekofisk Complex is jacked up 20 feet, safely above the North Sea.
1989
After a tragic fire at Houston Chemical Complex, the company starts rebuilding its polyethylene business.
1994
Xijang field goes on stream as Phillips' first production in China.
1998
Phillips receives its 15,000th U. S. patent.
2000
Chevron Phillips Chemical Company is formed as joint venture encompassing both companies' petrochemical operations.
Purchase of ARCO Alaska, the largest acquisition in company history, makes Phillips the largest oil producer in Alaska.
2001
Acquisition of Tosco Corporation propels Phillips to the second largest refiner in the U. S.
2002
Phillips Petroleum Company merges with Conoco Inc. to create Conoco-Phillips, the third largest U.S.-based integrated energy company.
Have fun visiting this small museum.