US Navy Helium Production Plant
Introduction
Text-to-speech Audio
Images
Helium Production Plant #1, Fort Worth, Texas 1922
Helium Plant Internal View
Backstory and Context
Text-to-speech Audio
The plant was the world’s only source of helium. The facility remained in operation until mid 1929 when helium-rich natural gas supplies in the Petrolia fields were depleted and a new helium-rich gas field was discovered near Amarillo, Texas.
The site was taken over by the Airways Division of the Department of Commerce Lighthouse Service where they developed early night navigation lighting systems and radios for airport and aircraft use. The plant was located on what is now Blue Mound Road near Meacham Blvd.
Cite This Entry
Spraggins, Brittany. "US Navy Helium Production Plant." Clio: Your Guide to History. April 24, 2020. Accessed July 27, 2025. https://theclio.com/entry/100561