• Taking Risks

    George's success in the oil business and the creation of the Zapata Offshore Company, which ushered in a new era in the oil drilling industry, is detailed here. Vintage video included in this area shows the launching of revolutionary new drilling technology used by Zapata. 

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  • View from the water of a Zapata oil drilling platform.

  • George H.W. Bush with Hugh Liedtke in the Zapata Oil Company Office, Midland, TX, circa mid-1950s

  • Zapata off-shore drilling rig

  • George Bush boards an oil rig. (date unknown)

  • Vinegarroon mobile drilling platform, Zapata Offshore Company of Houston, TX. (Date unknown)

  • A look at the Taking Risks Exhibit

  • In 1951, Bush stopped selling oilfield supplies and with a friend formed an oil business, which started him on a path to great success. Eventually he moved the Bush family to Houston to try his hand at offshore oil drilling as the president of Zapata Offshore.

  • Zapata Offshore oil drilling platform plaque

  • takingrisks
  • taking risks
    George H.W. Bush with Hugh Liedtke
    taking risks
    taking risks
    taking risks
    Zapata Offshore
    Zapata Offshore
    Vinegarroon
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