McDonald in Washington County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Oil Well Fire

Great American Rail-Trail

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, April 13, 2026

1. Oil Well Fire Marker

Inscription. On August 20, 1891, well on S.H. Cook lot exploded here. Fire threatened tracks and town before finally being extinguished on August 27.

Erected 2024 by Panhandle Trail, William G. Pomeroy Foundation. (Marker Number 5.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the William G. Pomeroy Foundation series list. A significant historical date for this entry is August 20, 1891.

Location. 40° 21.959′ N, 80° 14.245′ W. Marker is in McDonald, Pennsylvania, in Washington County. It can be reached from Panhandle Trail west of South McDonald Street (Pennsylvania Route 980). Marker is located on the Panhandle Trail, approximately 0.2 miles west of South McDonald Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mc Donald PA 15057, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Pittsburgh.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

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the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: McDonald's West Bound Passenger Train Station / McDonald's East Bound Passenger Train Station (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Jay Livingston (about 800 feet away); McDonald's Railroad Freight Station / A View of South McDonald Street (approx. 0.2 miles away); Tillinghast Machine Shop / McCarty Lumber Yard (approx. 0.2 miles away); The McDonald Oil Field / The Old McDonald School Bell (approx. 0.2 miles away); Flowing Oil Well (approx. 0.2 miles away); McDonald Oil Field (approx. 0.2 miles away); Wilson Mill Covered Bridge (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in McDonald.

Photographed by Mike Wintermantel, April 13, 2026

2. Oil Well Fire Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on April 13, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 13, 2026, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 13 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 13, 2026, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.