Around 1860, oilfields began springing up throughout Appalachia. For several decades, West Virginia supplied a considerable share of the oil extracted and refined for medicines, lubricants, and illuminants in the United States.

Through historical photographs, archival documents, and displays of early drilling tools, Light/Lubricant/Liniment looks back at the role of West Virginia in America’s early oil industry.

Light/Lubricant/Liniment was curated by The Royce J. and Caroline B. Watts Museum at West Virginia University and is currently on display at the Historic Craik-Patton House Museum during the Spring 2024 season.