However , in 1967 , after several attempts at drilling for oil , oil company mergers , and competitive bidding for state lease sales , the Prudhoe Bay oil field was discovered .
The U.S. Navy drilled for oil between 1944 and 1953 with little success .
In 1967 , after several attempts at drilling for oil , oil company mergers , and competitive bidding for state lease sales , the Prudhoe Bay oil field was discovered .
The U.S. Navy drilled for oil between 1944 and 1953 with little success .