Edwin Drake

Edwin Drake
A 19th century illustration of Drake
Born
Edwin Laurentine Drake

(1819-03-29)March 29, 1819
DiedNovember 9, 1880(1880-11-09) (aged 61)
NationalityAmerican
Other namesColonel Drake
OccupationBusinessman
Known forPetroleum exploration
Parent(s)Lyman Drake and Laura Lee

Edwin Laurentine Drake (March 29, 1819 November 9, 1880), also known as Colonel Drake, was an American businessman and the first American to successfully drill for oil.