An (Oil) Boom Of A Start
In 1859 Colonel Edwin Drake’s drilling rig struck a pocket of oil in Pennsylvania and the world forever changed.
Similar to the Gold Rush ten years prior, the Oil Rush was on! Thousands of people flocked to the small towns along the Allegheny River in Western Pennsylvania. Oil refineries were built. The world’s first oil pipeline was constructed. John D. Rockefeller spent time here. An oil baron ran for President of the United States. This area truly is the valley that changed the world.
The Oil Region Today
This area of Pennsylvania, approximately halfway between Pittsburgh and Erie, enjoyed economic riches for nearly 150 years. Then two of largest oil companies in the area (Quaker State and Pennzoil) closed their refineries and left town between 1995 and 2000. In the 20+ years since the closures nature has reclaimed its territory. Hillsides that were once stripped and industrialized with oil derricks are now home to forests and wildlife. The aptly named Oil Creek once had oil floating on the surface but is now home to superb fly fishing. Railroad lines that carried oil across the nation have become recreational trails for walking, biking, skiing, and more.
Beyond recreation and history the Oil Region is home to budding art and food scenes.
The story of the Oil Region is a tale of resilience.
To hear more of the story, I interviewed Emily Altomare the Tourism and Communication Manager for the Oil Region Alliance.
My Oil Region “Perfect Day”
As I noted at the end of the video, this would be my Perfect Day in the Oil Region:
- Breakfast at Clarks Donuts in Cranberry
- Ride the Sandy Creek Trail
- Lunch at Two Cousins in the Cranberry Mall
- Coffee at Karma Coffee in Oil City
- Historic Pithole City
- Ride the OC&T
- Dinner at Trails to Ales in Franklin
- See a show at the Barrow-Civic Theatre
My Oil Region “Bucket List”
Despite spending most of my life here in the Oil Region, I have so much left to see and explore.
- Rockland Furnace and Freedom Falls
- Bike and Float combo trip
- Ida Tarbell House
- Try fly fishing
- Cross country skiing
And I am still blown away by the fact that the Eat’n’Park cookie was created here! I’ve got to get to Titusville to check it out.
Go
Now it’s your turn. What’s on your Oil Region Bucket List? Let us know in the comments below.
Pin or share an image below to let everyone know that you’re headed to the Oil Region of Pennsylvania.
