Oil City

Colonel Edwin Drake's discovery of oil in 1859 marked the beginning of the famous oil rush, and a working replica of the original oil well is located next to Oil Creek in northern Venango County. During 1865, approximately half the oil shipped worldwide was shipped out through Oil City. Diversified industries have replaced this prosperity.

Many of the oil businesses established in Oil City at the time remain international corporations, with oil as their primary resource. Today, Oil City no longer hosts many of these large corporations within its boundaries. However, it still provides an inviting environment for both small and large businesses, industries, and their employees and families.

Oil City is the largest community in Venango County, with a population of approximately 10,000, and is situated on the Allegheny River in the central part of the County. While the tree-lined streets and stately homes give the appearance of a Norman Rockwell painting from years past, the city's public and private infrastructure has kept pace with current (and future) industry requirements.

Fortunately, the costs of doing business in the area have not kept pace with those of large urban or metropolitan areas, and the operating costs of companies in the region are reminiscent of those of yesteryear. All of this is in a city that provides a historic past, a low cost of living, and an excellent quality of life for families of every type and background.

Discover the advantages that Oil City has to offer. Its streets and stately homes evoke a Norman Rockwell setting. Surrounding the town are beautiful farms and forests, offering a diverse range of recreational opportunities. The residents are workers, stable, and technically oriented. All of these assets provide new industries with an ideal location for growth.