History

History is a prevalent theme throughout the communities of Venango County. Whether you’re interested in the history of the Seneca Indians, the French and Indian War, John D. Rockefeller or Johnny Appleseed, the Venango County region offers plenty of ways to discover the valley that changed the world.

The communities of Titusville, Oil City, Franklin, Cranberry, and Emlenton, have gained a world-wide reputation as the birth-place of the oil industry. Beautiful ornate Victorian homes and architecture testify to the great wealth the oil boom brought to these areas.

History lovers all over the world travel to Venango County throughout the year to learn about the special day that changed all of our lives. It was a Summer’s day in August 1859, when Colonel Edwin L. Drake struck oil near Titusville and drilled the world’s first commercially successful oil well.

2009 marks the 150th anniversary and celebrations are planned throughout the Oil Region to commemorate the success of the oil industry.

If you enjoy exploring history, come visit Venango County, Pennsylvania.