TITUSVILLE — The American Chemical Society plans to mark the birth of the nation's oil-drilling industry by declaring the Drake Well in northwestern Pennsylvania a National Historic Chemical Landmark.

Thursday marks the 150th anniversary of the first successful oil well, drilled by Col. Edwin Drake in Titusville.

The chemical society will present a plaque to the Drake Well Museum in Titusville to mark the anniversary.

Thomas Lane, the president of the society, says the well was a transforming achievement for chemistry and chemical engineering.

The American Chemical Society established its landmarks program in 1992 to recognize historic events in chemistry.