Bob’s Oil Well

At the crossroads of U.S. Highway 70 and Texas Highway 70 in the small West Texas town of Matador, Texas, located in Motley County, you’ll find one of the state’s most memorable roadside landmarks: Bob’s Oil Well. It was once a busy service station, café, tourist stop, and local hangout. Today, it still stands as a reminder of the golden age of American roadside architecture and the entrepreneurial spirit that shaped travel across the Southwest.

Bob’s Oil Well opened in 1932, thanks to World War I veteran Luther Bedford “Bob” Robertson. He moved to Matador in the 1920s and worked at a filling station before starting his own. Wanting to catch the eye of drivers crossing the empty West Texas plains, Robertson came up with a clever idea: he built a wooden oil derrick right over his service station. The tall structure stood out and soon became a familiar sight for travelers.

As more people stopped by and business grew, Robertson expanded. In 1939, he replaced the wooden derrick with an 84-foot steel one, lighting it so it could be seen from miles away. He also paid long-distance truck drivers to put up signs around the country showing how far it was to Bob’s Oil Well in Matador. The plan paid off. Travelers from all over the country stopped to refuel, grab a bite, rest, and check out one of Texas’s most unique roadside attractions.

Rattlesnakes and other exotic animals at Bob’s Oil Well

Over the years, Bob’s Oil Well grew into a busy travel center with a garage, grocery store, café, and service station. The café stood out for its rustic look, built from local stone and petrified wood, giving it extra charm. But the real highlight was Robertson’s roadside zoo. To entertain visitors and attract families, Bob kept a mix of exotic and local animals on the property. Guests could see rattlesnakes, monkeys, lions, coyotes, and even a rare white buffalo. For many Texans and travelers in the 1930s and 1940s, stopping at Bob’s Oil Well meant good food, friendly gatherings, and stories to remember.

The landmark’s success depended closely on Robertson. When he passed away in 1947, the community felt the loss deeply. Two weeks later, strong winds knocked down the huge steel derrick that had become the business’s symbol. Two years later, Robertson’s widow, Olga, rebuilt it with bigger lights, keeping the landmark alive and Matador in the spotlight. Despite her efforts, the business slowly declined and closed in the 1950s. Later attempts to bring it back didn’t last.

Even after being abandoned for decades, Bob’s Oil Well stayed alive in the memories of those who knew it. Preservationists and locals saw it as an important part of Texas history. In 2004, Preservation Texas added it to its Most Endangered Places List. This recognition brought new attention to the buildings and inspired efforts to restore the landmark for future generations.

Organizers pause restoration pending further donations.

Today, some original features still stand, like the famous derrick, the service station, and the stone-and-petrified-wood diner. Volunteers repaired the exteriors using expert carpenters, roofers, and stucco crews. However, depleted funds have paused interior renovations.

Even though it’s weathered, Bob’s Oil Well still stands as a symbol of a unique American era, when roadside businesses tried to stand out with big signs, creative buildings, and memorable attractions. More than a service station, it honors an entrepreneur who made this West Texas stop a famous destination.