On Old Route 8 (Pennsylvania Route 3013) at Georgetown Road, on the right when traveling south on Old Route 8.
A major Indian path from the Forks of the Ohio (Pittsburgh) to Venango (Franklin) was located just west of here. George Washington used it in traveling north to Fort Le Boeuf in 1753. Captain Jonathan Hart widened the path in 1787 on his way to . . . — — Map (db m42944) HM
On Old Bankson Road, 0.2 miles north of William Flinn Highway (Pennsylvania Route 8), on the right when traveling north.
McClintock-Steele-Waitz House (a.k.a. Coal Oil Johnny's House) This timber frame home was constructed in the early 1850's by Culbertson and Sarah "Sally" McClintock along the west bank of Oil Creek approximately 0.7 mile downstream from this . . . — — Map (db m107774) HM
Arthur William Phillips was born in Emlenton on July 29, 1888. His father, Samuel W. Phillips, successfully owned and operated oil wells in the Emlenton area. His mother, Clara Crawford Phillips, was a native of neighboring Scrubgrass Township. . . . — — Map (db m78843) HM
The first school began in 1839 in a private home. In 1873 a large three-story brick building, including a high school, was erected on this site. In 1928 it was replaced by the present building, completely equipped, a gift to the community by Harry . . . — — Map (db m78846) HM
Emlenton played as hard as it worked and the railroad brought many people to town for special occasions. The depot was located at the rear of this site and was served by eleven daily passenger trains. People then used the rails as much as we use our . . . — — Map (db m78847) HM
On Hill Street at 7th Street, on the right when traveling west on Hill Street.
Harry Jennings Crawford (1867-1953) began working as a young man in the oil fields, becoming involved in the budding natural gas business by his early 20s. Although an adept financier on a national level of oil, gas, and other business enterprises, . . . — — Map (db m199511) HM
In 1896, Harry Bennett Mitchell (1875-1945) assumed the reins of his late father's hardware business. At age 21 he began to build an enterprise that would span more than four decades and make him one of Emlenton's most prosperous merchants. In . . . — — Map (db m78849) HM
Near Allegheny Avenue, 0.1 miles south of Main Street.
left panel
Travelers to this area were first accommodated in a tavern built near this site in 1820 by Andrew McCaslin. Another early hotel was later built across the river in what was referred to as "West Emlenton." Both catered to river . . . — — Map (db m78841) HM
Near Main Street at 5th Street (Pennsylvania Route 38).
Bennett came to Emlenton in 1868 to hire out as a tinner to the Widel and Crawford Foundry at $1.25 a day. He stayed on to become one of the town's most prosperous and respected citizens. For half a century hea was the impetus and/or promoter of . . . — — Map (db m78848) HM
The Allegheny Valley Railroad, later a branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad, reached Emlenton in 1867. Local merchants soon availed themselves of the freight services bringing goods from all parts of the country. Daily merchandise trains brought . . . — — Map (db m78850) HM
On 5th Street, 0.1 miles west of 5th Street (Pennsylvania Route 38).
Eben Crawford (1821-1897), was an iron foundry operator and early oil and gas producer. In 1926 sons, George (1861-1935) and Fred (1863-1933) organized Columbia Gas and Electric Corp., the world's largest integrated natural gas company, merging . . . — — Map (db m78833) HM
On Allegheny Avenue, 0.1 miles south of Main Street, on the right when traveling east.
The Emlenton Bridge spanned the Allegheny River at this location from 1883 to 1987. Originally constructed of wrought iron, it consisted of two double-intersection Pratt trusses. Built by the Wrought Iron Bridge Company for the Emlenton Bridge . . . — — Map (db m78838) HM
On Main Street (Pennsylvania Route 38/208) at 2nd Street, on the left when traveling west on Main Street.
What you are seeing is the former site of the historic Emlenton Mill. However, the mill housed much more than grain during its storied and colorful history. It was built on this site in 1875 by James Bennett and Albert Cochran as the Emlenton . . . — — Map (db m170795) HM
In 1856 Levi Allebach moved his jewelry business from Water Street (later River Ave.) - much against the advice of local residents - into this "backwoods" building. At that time Emlenton's commercial section was located along the river. Within a few . . . — — Map (db m78852) HM
On 5th Street/Kerr Avenue at Myrtle Street, on the right when traveling north on 5th Street/Kerr Avenue.
In commemoration of those
who served in the World War
[Died in Service]
Marcus Bell Frank Brosnahan Charles Evans William J. Gates
Lee Irwin Basil Johns Harold E. Kelley Reuben O.W. King
Stephen Rapp Harry Rugh Bruce . . . — — Map (db m170756) WM
On Elk Street south of 12th Street, on the left when traveling south.
Brig. Gen. McCalmont was a Franklin attorney whose law office was at this location. He was the Assistant Attorney General under President James Buchanan, serving from 1858 through 1861. In 1862, as a Captain in the Union Army, he . . . — — Map (db m138137) HM
On 13th Street (U.S. 322) at Franklin Avenue, on the right when traveling south on 13th Street.
Site just west of here. Built in 1787 by United States troops under Captain Heart. First American fort in the region and base for protecting northwestern Pennsylvania's early settlements. — — Map (db m42933) HM
On 8th Street (U.S. 322) at Elk Street, on the right when traveling west on 8th Street.
Built by the French in 1756 to guard the route to the Ohio; it was evacuated and burned by them after the siege and fall of Fort Niagara in 1759. Site of fort is one block south. — — Map (db m42936) HM
On 8th Street (U.S. 322) at Elk Street, on the left when traveling west on 8th Street.
To assert control over the area, Fort Venango was built near this point by the British in 1760. The fort was attacked and destroyed by Indians in 1763 during Pontiac's uprising. — — Map (db m42938) HM
Near Liberty Street (Pennsylvania Route 8) 0.1 miles east of 13th Street (U.S. 322), on the right when traveling east.
A frontier settlement, originally called Venango, was an established community and county seat when the oil boom hit. The town grew and prospered with the influx of speculators and businesses, becoming a center of refining activity in the rapidly . . . — — Map (db m69044) HM
On Liberty Street (Pennsylvania Route 8) at South Park Street, on the right when traveling north on Liberty Street.
Founded 1865. Under the leadership of Charles Miller and Joseph Sibley, it produced high-quality lubricants used by most United States railroads. Purchased 1878 by John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil, which used Galena-Signal products to gain . . . — — Map (db m42939) HM
On South Park Street, 0.1 miles east of Liberty Street (Pennsylvania Route 8), on the right when traveling west.
An attorney and oil industry pioneer, in 1854 with J.G. Eveleth, he purchased the Hibbard Farm, future site of Drake Well. Later that year, they organized Pennsylvania Rock Oil Company, America's first oil corporation. Bissell, with partners, also . . . — — Map (db m42940) HM
On 13th Street (U.S. 322) at Franklin Avenue, on the right when traveling south on 13th Street.
John Chapman, an actual person as well as a folk hero, lived nearby along French Creek between 1797 and 1804. Records indicate he had a nursery there and one near Warren, Pennsylvania, before moving on to Ohio. Born 1774 in Massachusetts, he died . . . — — Map (db m42934) HM
On 13th Street (U.S. 322) at Otter Street, on the right when traveling south on 13th Street.
Jesse Reno's boyhood home was here where his father, Lewis, operated a hotel. He left in 1842 to enter the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, graduating in 1846 as a Second Lieutanant in the Ordnance Corps. After distinguishing himself in the . . . — — Map (db m74627) HM
On Liberty Street (U.S. 322) at 10th Street, on the right when traveling west on Liberty Street.
Built in 1796 to replace Fort Franklin. Commanded both French Creek and the Allegheny River. Occupied until 1799 by United States troops. Was later the first jail of Venango County. The site at the foot of Tenth Street is now under water. — — Map (db m42941) HM
On Liberty Street (Pennsylvania Route 8) at Pennsylvania Alley, on the right when traveling south on Liberty Street.
General solicitor of Standard Oil, 1881-1905, and author of the Standard Oil Trust Agreement (1882). The agreement led to the companys dominance of the industry and served as a model for other trusts. A Franklin native, his early law office was . . . — — Map (db m42942) HM
On Liberty Street (U.S. 322) at 12th Street, on the right when traveling west on Liberty Street.
Formed March 12, 1800 out of Allegheny and Lycoming counties. The name (an Indian term) refers to French Creek. Franklin, county seat, was laid out in 1795. It became a city in 1868, as did Oil City in 1871. At Drake Well the oil industry was born, . . . — — Map (db m42943) HM
On Liberty Street (U.S. 62) east of 12th Street, on the left when traveling east.
This Civil War Monument commemorates 400 Venango County soldiers who died during the war. These soldiers fought in many battles including Lookout Mountain, Bull Run, Yorktown, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, and Antietam. . . . — — Map (db m138134) HM WM
On Liberty Street (U.S. 62/322) at Park Street, on the right when traveling north on Liberty Street.
In Memory of
All Vietnam Veterans
This memorial was erected in memory of the young individuals who went to war as kids and lost their youthful dreams, and some their lives, for a cause-freedom and honor-and came back as men with . . . — — Map (db m138173) WM
On Liberty Street (U.S. 62) at 12th Street, on the left when traveling east on Liberty Street.
In Honor of
World War I Veterans
[Photo of troop ship]
In Memory
[Photo of troops in battle]
In Remembrance
[Photo of troops entering "No Man's Land"]
Presented by the
Venango County Historical Society . . . — — Map (db m138115) WM
On Liberty Street (U.S. 62) at 12th Street, on the left when traveling east on Liberty Street.
☆ Died in Service
Raymond Alanzo Sterling L. Alexander Leon G. Allen
Earl Ames Harold P. Anderson William Angove
George Clair Armitage Angus G. Armstrong Ralph F. Banbury
Keey David Barcroft William F. . . . — — Map (db m138133) WM
On Center Street, 0.1 miles east of Elm Street, on the right when traveling west.
The largest crude oil refiner in Pittsburgh in the 1860s. Lockhart, Frew and Company merged its seven refineries with Standard Oil in 1874. Lockhart served on the board, managing 80% of United States oil refining, transport, and marketing. One of . . . — — Map (db m42922) HM
On Seneca Street at Memorial Drive, on the right when traveling south on Seneca Street.
A US Air Force pilot, he was a leading fighter ace during WWII and the Korean War. He taught fighter tactics to his pilots as squadron commander. He was highly decorated by the US and its allied partners. The son of Polish immigrants, he was born . . . — — Map (db m59074) HM
Near Center Street (Pennsylvania Route 8) 0.1 miles east of Main Street (Pennsylvania Route 8), on the right when traveling east.
The Principle Chief of the Seneca People Also known as Gyantwachia ("The Planter")
1732? - 1836
On March 16, 1796 the Pennsylvania Legislature granted Cornplanter a tract of land at the confluences of the Allegheny River and Oil Creek, the . . . — — Map (db m64965) HM
On Veterans Memorial Bridge at Elm Street on Veterans Memorial Bridge.
A diplomat and defender of Seneca land and culture, Cornplanter allied the Iroquois Confederacy with the fledgling US after fighting for the British during the American Revolution. He arbitrated conflicts between Native Americans and settlers, . . . — — Map (db m114605) HM
On Waitz Road, 0.1 miles west of Pennsylvania Route 8, on the right when traveling west.
Arriving in the Oil Creek valley in 1796, Hamilton McClintock, Sr. purchased a 400-acre tract of land for farming. To his good fortune, the property boasted a productive, natural oil spring. Like the Seneca who inhabited the land before him, . . . — — Map (db m133599) HM
On Cherry Run Road (Pennsylvania Route 227) at Grandview Road, on the right when traveling east on Cherry Run Road.
One of the largest and most scientifically advanced petroleum refineries of its time occupied 47 acres along Cherry Run immediately northwest of this site. It was placed in operation by chemist Jon Bruns and the Lodovici Brothers in 1862. Named for . . . — — Map (db m64958) HM
Two of the most notable farms at Petroleum Centre – the richest producing area in 1866 – were the McCray Farm on the high bluff behind the Oil Creek State Park Office , and the Hyde and Egbert Farm at its base. Companies and individuals . . . — — Map (db m134838) HM
In commemoration of the gift of 303 acres of land now occupied by the city of Oil City, and located at the mouth of the Allegheny River by Thomas Mifflin, as the first Governor of Pennsylvania, to Cornplanter, Chief of the Seneca Indians on March 6, . . . — — Map (db m65534) HM
On Seneca Street at Center Street (Pennsylvania Route 8), on the right when traveling south on Seneca Street.
John O'Bail
Chief of the Seneca Indians
Who for services rendered the State of Pennsylvania at the close of the Revolution was created by Governor Mifflin in 1789 the land on which this part of Oil City is situated. — — Map (db m64967) HM
A leader in transforming the shipment of oil - by river, by rail, and ultimately by pipeline. Vandergrift arrived in Oil City, 1861, as a river captain. Beginning in 1868, Vandergrift, Forman and Company, laid miles of pipe to move oil from wells to . . . — — Map (db m42924) HM
On Central Avenue at West 4th Street, on the right when traveling south on Central Avenue.
After graduation from the University of Vermont in 1879, the noted philosopher, liberal, and advocate of progressive education (1859-1952) taught for the first two years of his distinguished career at Oil City's first high school, located on this . . . — — Map (db m42927) HM
On Main Street (Pennsylvania Route 8) at Halyday Street, on the right when traveling west on Main Street.
Founded in Oil City, 1894, it produced engines for pumping oil wells. Its popular single piston engine was used worldwide by the oil industry. The company closed in 1939. — — Map (db m42928) HM
Designated as an American Treasure by the National Park Service in 1999, McClintock #1 is a shallow, stripper well- one of many independently owned - that produce a few barrels (bbls) daily, but together generate around 30% of American oil.
In . . . — — Map (db m133603) HM
Brewer, Watson & Company signed the first oil lease for land with Hamilton McClintock in 1869 and began drilling in 1860. On May 6, 2000, the oil well they drilled in 1861 was accepted by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in recognition of the . . . — — Map (db m133605) HM
On East Front Street (U.S. 62) east of Veterans Memorial Bridge, on the right when traveling west.
Founded nearby in 1878, it was a leading manufacturer of oil well machinery and supplies, serving the oil industry across the globe. By the early 1900s, employment peaked at 2,000. In 1930 it became a subsidiary of United States Steel. — — Map (db m42932) HM
On Center Street (Pennsylvania Route 8) 0.1 miles east of Main Street (Pennsylvania Route 8), on the right when traveling east.
An early oil scout and pioneer oil industry journalist, editor, and publisher. He owned and managed The Derrick newspaper and The Oil and Gas Journal, shaping them into nationally influential petroleum industry trade publications. . . . — — Map (db m64926) HM
On Rouseville Road (Pennsylvania Route 227) at Pithole Road, on the right when traveling east on Rouseville Road.
Created in 1865 by the discovery of oil. Within a few months it was a boom town of 15,000 with banks, churches, hotels, newspaper, post office, water system, and railroad. Oil wells began to go dry in less than a year, and in time only excavations . . . — — Map (db m64959) HM
In 1800, Irish immigrant Ambrose Rynd purchased a 500-acre tract of land in the Oil Creek from the Holland Land Company. He built a cabin on the property and dedicated the rest of his life to farming the land. Nearly 60 years later, his grandson . . . — — Map (db m133607) HM
On Fryburg Road (Pennsylvania Route 157) at Sawtown Road, on the right when traveling east on Fryburg Road.
Here on April 15, 1885, at a depth of 1, 963 feet, Samuel Speechley completed a natural gas well that was sufficient, for a time, to supply all of Oil City & nearby communities. At the pool of this well was discovered a deep gas bearing sand-stone . . . — — Map (db m65535) HM
On Rouseville Road (Pennsylvania Route 227) 1.1 miles north of Russell Corners Road, on the right when traveling east.
Constructed in the fall of 1865. Following a straight course about 5 miles in length, it transported oil by pumps from Pithole to a railhead at Miller Farm, thus revolutionizing the transportation of petroleum. Dug up when Pithole wells were pumped . . . — — Map (db m64963) HM
On East State Street (Pennsylvania Route 36) 0.1 miles east of School Street, on the right when traveling east.
Pioneer petroleum geologist and engineer, Carll originated many standard oil industry practices, including accurate drilling records, correlating and mapping sub-surface reservoir rocks, and explaining the increased productivity resulting from . . . — — Map (db m64964) HM
On Pithole Road, 2.3 miles east of Rouseville Road (Pennsylvania Route 227), on the right when traveling east.
Created in 1865 by the discovery of oil. Within a few months it was a boom town of 15,000 with banks, churches, hotels, newspaper, post office, water system, and railroad. Oil wells began to go dry in less than a year, and in time only excavations . . . — — Map (db m64960) HM
On Allegheny Boulevard (U.S. 62) at 4th Street, on the right when traveling south on Allegheny Boulevard.
A distinguished Civil War General, Reno commanded a brigade of Burnside's Army in its North Carolina expedition and the 9th Corps of the Army of the Potomac at the battle of South Mountain, Md. where he was killed. He served previously in the . . . — — Map (db m74614) HM
Early in 1864, A. C. Kepler dreamt he was in the woods with
young woman who some considered a coquette (a flirt). An
American Indian attacked him with a bow and arrow. The
woman stealthily advanced and handed him a rifle that she
plucked from . . . — — Map (db m134839) HM
On Main Street (Pennsylvania Route 8) south of Cherry Run Road (Pennsylvania Route 227), on the left when traveling south.
A former teacher and Warren County legislator who became a successful oil lease owner. One of 19 persons killed when the Little & Merrick oil well at Rouseville exploded and burned on April 17, 1861. As he lay dying, Rouse dictated a will that . . . — — Map (db m50500) HM
On William Flinn Highway (Pennsylvania Route 8) north of Waitz Road, on the left when traveling north.
McClintock No. 1 Oil Well has produced continuously since August, 1861. Drilled only two years after the famous Drake Well, it is located 240 yards away, across the railroad. — — Map (db m50502) HM
On Petroleum Centre Road at Russell Corners Road, on the right when traveling east on Petroleum Centre Road.
The oil boom of the 1860s attracted far more people to the
area than could share directly in the oil profits. Some people found ways to make money through support services,
such as transportation. You could only cross Oil Creek by
ferry or ford . . . — — Map (db m134858) HM
Return to the oil boom era of the 1860s. Follow these signs, and let your mental time machine transport you to the noisy hustle and bustle of Washington and Main streets, the major thoroughfares of boomtown Petroleum Centre.
Petroleum Centre, . . . — — Map (db m134842) HM
On State Park Road (Pennsylvania Route 1007) at Petroleum Centre Road on State Park Road.
You are facing Hogback Hill. Behind it lies Wildcat Hollow, one of the many productive fields in the early oil era.
According to tradition, a speculator who risked his luck by drilling in this narrow valley shot a wildcat, had it stuffed and set . . . — — Map (db m134867) HM
On William Flinn Highway (Pennsylvania Route 8) near Turkey Farm Road, on the right when traveling south.
The first functional railway oil tank car was invented and constructed in 1865 by James and Amos Densmore at nearby Miller Farm along Oil Creek. It consisted of two wooden tanks placed on a flat railway car; each tank held 40-45 barrels of crude . . . — — Map (db m88570) HM
Near Museum Lane, on the right when traveling east.
This native boulder marks the plot
where through the foresight, energy
and persistence of
Edwin L. Drake
The first well was drilled for oil.
On August 27, 1859 oil was found
at a depth of sixty-nine feet.
This great discovery . . . — — Map (db m39968) HM
On this site "Col." Edwin Drake struck oil Aug. 27, 1859; the birth of the petroleum industry.
Administered by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission. — — Map (db m50477) HM
This plaque is dedicated to the memory of Samuel Van Syckel whose inventive mind and business ability planned and built the first successful oil pipeline in the world in September, 1865, from Pithole to Miller Farm, PA. Thus was set in motion a . . . — — Map (db m133595) HM
The Adams family settled French Creek Twp in 1796
James R. Adams, Sr. Purchased the original 439 acre tract from the Commonwealth of PA 1831
They utilized water from Mill Creek to power the first woolen, grist and saw mills and sold the . . . — — Map (db m150108) HM
On 3rd Street, 0.1 miles north of Water Street, on the right when traveling north.
South Face
Former location of a 262 foot, two span pratt through truss bridge constructed in 1866 by the Smith Bridge Company of Toledo, Ohio. The structure was a good example of late nineteenth century bridge technology, including pinned . . . — — Map (db m74629) HM
