Leach Ranch

I tried to find some history of the Leach Ranch and other than stories from a number of locals I've found very little.

In 1928 Thomas Leach first visited western North Dakota and as a geologist he was convinced there was oil in the Williston Basin. After serving our country in both WW I and WW II he began leasing land in North Dakota for the purpose of drilling oil. On April 4, 1951 he discovered oil which was considered the first significant oil producing well in North Dakota. By 1957 his company was listed on the New York Stock exchange and he and his partners held 4 million acres under lease, the largest operator in North Dakota. Thomas passed in 1966 but is still considered "The Father Of Oil In North Dakota."

From here on there is little written but during his life he acquired 10,000 acres just south of the little town of Towner, ND for hunting and recreation. This is where my summer training camp is located. I will try to take notes in my next conversations with locals.