About CRC
SubNavigation
The Collier Story

The Collier Story
In the early 20th century, advertising magnate Barron Gift Collier came to Southwest Florida and saw a place where families would come to enjoy a good life. Inspired by the promise of this land, he bought more than a million acres and was instrumental in creating Collier County.

Today, nearly 100 years later, two family companies – The Barron Collier Companies and Collier Enterprises – continue to realize his vision through a commitment to integrity, strong business values and a deep respect for the land. They both engage in businesses that include agricultural operations, real estate development, oil and gas production as well as the conveyance of land for preservation. Together, they manage the family’s mineral holdings through Collier Resources Company.

History of Oil in SWFL

History of Oil in Southwest Florida
Oil exploration and production has been ongoing in Southwest Florida since it was first discovered on Collier minerals in 1943 by the Humble Oil and Refining Company, today known as Exxon. Crude oil production commenced in late 1943 and since then, more than 118 million barrels of oil have been produced from eight commercial oil fields across the Sunniland Trend, a well defined, onshore oil reserve that stretches from Fort Myers to Miami.

1921 – 1923
Barron Collier acquires 1,300,000 acres of what is now Lee, Hendry and Collier counties, becoming the largest landowner in Florida.

1943
Oil is discovered by Humble Oil/Exxon on Collier minerals in Sunniland Field.

1972
Humble Oil/Exxon discovers oil on Collier minerals at Bear Island Field in what will become the Big Cypress National Preserve.

1974
Big Cypress National Preserve is created. Congress passes legislation to allow the continuation of certain land uses including oil and gas exploration, development and production in Big Cypress subject to stringent environmental controls.

1976
The Colliers convey 76,790 acres to the National Park Service to create the Big Cypress National Preserve, maintaining private ownership of the mineral rights.

1977
In its peak year, more than 14,000 barrels per day is being produced from the Sunniland Trend.

1978
Humble Oil/Exxon discovers oil on Collier Minerals at Raccoon Point Field.

1988
Congress passes legislation to expand the Big Cypress National Preserve by creating the BCNP Addition, again authorizing the continuation of private oil and gas exploration, development and production.

1996
The Colliers convey 83,000 acres to the National Park Service for the expansion of the Big Cypress National Preserve, reserving ownership of mineral rights for future exploration and production.

Today
Nearly 2800 barrels of oil per day continue to be produced in the Sunniland Trend. The current focus of Collier Resources is the further development of Raccoon Point Field and the exploration of our other mineral assets.

Our History