The Golden Driller in Tulsa, Oklahoma is a massive 76-foot-tall statue that stands as a tribute to the men of the petroleum industry. Weighing approximately 43,500 pounds (22 tons), it is one of the most recognized landmarks in Tulsa and a symbol of the city’s rich oil history (Wikipedia; Travel Oklahoma).

This iconic statue features a bare-chested golden man with a belt that has “TULSA” written across the buckle, and his right hand rests on a real Oklahoma oil derrick, emphasizing the state’s deep ties to the oil industry. The Golden Driller has been a beloved Tulsa landmark since 1966 and is located outside the Tulsa Expo Center, a site that has historical significance tied to the International Petroleum Exposition (Atlas Obscura; American Oil & Gas Historical Society).

The statue is not only the tallest free-standing statue in the U.S. but has also been named one of the top 10 “quirkiest destinations” in the nation. It represents the spirit and determination of those who worked in the petroleum industry and helped to create a better life for mankind, as stated on the dedicatory plaque at the base of the monument (Roadside America; State Symbols USA).

Visitors to Tulsa often stop to take photos with the Golden Driller, making it the most photographed landmark in the city. Its presence at the fairgrounds is hard to miss and serves as a constant reminder of the impact the oil industry has had on the region and its people (TripAdvisor).