Bothwell-Zone Oil Museum
29785 Concession 7
Bothwell, Ontario N0P 1C0
Tel: 519.695.2096

The Bothwell-Zone Oil Museum is emerging from a colourful past of the 1860's to become an exciting centre of learning.

The Bothwell-Zone & District Historical Society is taking charge of the original powerhouse on the 7th concession of Zone Township that serviced 150 oil wells through a series of jerking rods that connected the whole field to this single power unit.

The outside has been cleaned so the public can view the last remaining presence of primitive machinery, which is operational and was the nucleus of an entire oil field production.  The society is fostering an interest in the environment by providing walking tours on the grounds of native trees and plants.

The Society would be happy to arrange a guided tour of the powerhouse and walking tour of the grounds.  A picnic area is available.

Did You Know?

• The Bothwell-Zone Oil Museum is the last remaining example in Canada of the power source that serviced 60 oil wells at one time during the oil boom of the 1860 area.
• The 1896 original building and contents is Chatham-Kent's only industrial site.
• Experience first hand how the efficiency of the system brought this country to world markets over night.
• The primary search for oil was to find a product to illuminate homes and businesses.  The whales had been depleted and a need for lamp oil was extremely important.
• The Honourable George Brown, member of Confederation bought 4000 areas, laid out the town of Bothwell, exercised his power to provide rail service that transported the oil, and brought the people.  Instantly Bothwell was the largest centre west of Toronto with a population of 8000.
• 1903 - the advent of the automobile changed the oil industry forever.  Gasoline, a by-product of oil now was in demand.  Ontario Hydro Electric power was just beginning and homeowners were son free of coal oil lamps.
• In the oil fields all pumps were steam powered until 1914 when oil was required for World War 1.  At that time, steam cylinders were replaced with electric motors but the pumping operation didn't change.
• The horse drawn wooden tanker was the method of delivery to the rail between 1860 and 1940.  Oil was hand pumped into horse drawn tankers that held 10 barrels.  Unloading was the same method.

Contact our representative at Bothwell Tel: 519.695.2096 or the Bothwell Information Centre at Tel: 519.695.2844.

Hours of Operation:

Open May 1st to December 15th - 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For more information, please contact Chatham-Kent Tourism at 1.800.561.6125 or at 519.354.6125 or by email at CKtourism@chatham-kent.ca