This life sized monument is one of several recent projects undertaken in the Artesia Main Street beautification project in recent years. The Derrick Floor is full sized representation in bronze, which features four men working on a 1950’s style oil drilling rig. The monument was created by Vic Payne Studios, and was dedicated on April 24, 2004.

This monument is prominently located at the Southeast corner of 6th street and Main in Artesia NM. It sits in the center of a park-like grass area which has other bronze statues and monuments, as well as water fountains, and benches for sitting.

The Derrick Floor plaque reads: “Dedicated to the men and women who take the risks and do the work to find, produce and refine New Mexico oil and gas. This monument of a 1950’s drilling rig is unveiled in celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Illinois #3, the first commercial oil well in southeastern New Mexico and the first oil well on state-owned lands in New Mexico.”