Gusher The first spectacular 'gusher' is drilled in South Texas, with a million barrels shooting skyward in the first week. Game on. The rush to exploit this field results in a forest of derricks, practically on top of one another. Early gas tanks are located under the driver's seat, which makes filling them a challenge (center top). Meanwhile, Lindbergh is able to claim his prize (top right).

	The Next Big Rush Areas shown in BRIGHT GREEN above indicate the location of known oil fields by 1910. Although the oil rushes in Texas and Oklahoma explode at almost the same moment, the sheer size of the Oklahoma fields soon results in Tulsa becoming the oil capital of America. In Texas, oil is sometimes discovered beneath towns already in existence, resulting in rigs being erected right between the houses (lower left). Substantial discoveries are also made in the Los Angeles basin of southern California.
	Making it a Business When American Airlines is formed in 1930, it combines the operations of 82 smaller existing operators. Like other carriers, its main revenue source is airmail and cargo delivery. Other early airlines include Delta, Western, Eastern, Northwest and Pan American. For passenger routes, most use the Ford Tri-Motor, which boasts nine comfy passenger seats, with big windows (center).