Oil City

Oil City is a municipality at the junction where Oil Creek meets the Allegheny River in northwestern Pennsylvania. Hills and valleys surround the settlement, which has around 9,600 residents and sits on the edge of the Allegheny Mountains.

The settlement changed from an iron industry site into a petroleum center after oil wells were discovered in 1861. The rapid industrial growth brought companies and workers to the region along Oil Creek.

The Venango Museum of Art, Science and Industry displays galleries on petroleum history and regional artwork. Visitors can see exhibits about technological developments and local industrial heritage from different eras.

The municipality sits where Oil Creek joins the Allegheny River, so visitors can explore both waterways. The area works well for walking trips along the rivers and through the valleys of the region.

Three major motor oil producers established their headquarters in this municipality: Pennzoil, Quaker State, and Wolf's Head. The concentration of these companies reflects the importance of the region to the American oil industry.

Location: Venango County

Inception: 1824

Website: http://oilcity.org

GPS coordinates: 41.42830,-79.70720

Latest update: December 5, 2025 16:37