It’s the spring of 1858. Colonel Edwin Drake from New York is hired by the Seneca Oil Company to investigate suspected oil deposits in Titusville, Pennsylvania. While the existence of petroleum oil was known, there no considerable market for the material.
After months of work, Drake had little to show for his efforts. Undeterred, Drake took out a $500 loan to continue his operation. Then, on August 27th 1859, Drake changed the world. While drilling on an island in Oil Creek at a depth of 69.5 feet, he had struck oil.
The words - “They’ve struck oil!” – roared through the valley as crowds gathered to see the crude oil being hand pumped to the surface and into a bathtub. The Drake Well was the first commercial oil well in the United States. It led to the world’s first oil boom
This monumental discovery would play a pivotal role in the birth of the American oil industry. The rural wooded area surrounding Oil Creek would go on to be used for searching for black gold that would fuel the industrial revolution.
160-plus years after the discovery of oil, the property is now known as Oil Creek State Park. The park is a living museum, preserving the remnants of historic oil derricks, drill sites, and the remains of the industry that forever altered the course of American history.
On this episode I speak with David Hallman. David is the Park Manager of Oil Creek State Park.
Be sure to check out and support our sponsors for the 2024 season:
Keystone Trails Association
KTA is dedicated to providing, preserving, protecting and promoting recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania. Use code "HELLBENDERS" to receive $5 off a yearly membership.
Purple Lizard Maps
Purveyors of incredibly detailed, highly curated, and waterproof trail maps of Pennsylvania's state forests. Find them at your local outfitters, bike shops, and bookstores or visit PurpleLizard.com.
Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation began in 1999 as a statewide nonprofit organization to provide a voice for the Commonwealth’s 124 state parks and 2.2 million acres of forest land. They rally volunteers, raise funds, and advocate for these precious lands. Join the movement at PAParksandForests.org to preserve and enjoy our outdoor treasures.
Visit our website to listen to the podcast, download free outdoor kids' activities, learn more about our public lands and to purchase merch. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected.
You can support the podcast by clicking “Support this show” in the podcast description to provide a monthly donation.
Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
Graphics: Matt Davis
It’s the spring of 1858. Colonel Edwin Drake from New York is hired by the Seneca Oil Company to investigate suspected oil deposits in Titusville, Pennsylvania. While the existence of petroleum oil was known, there no considerable market for the material.
After months of work, Drake had little to show for his efforts. Undeterred, Drake took out a $500 loan to continue his operation. Then, on August 27th 1859, Drake changed the world. While drilling on an island in Oil Creek at a depth of 69.5 feet, he had struck oil.
The words - “They’ve struck oil!” – roared through the valley as crowds gathered to see the crude oil being hand pumped to the surface and into a bathtub. The Drake Well was the first commercial oil well in the United States. It led to the world’s first oil boom
This monumental discovery would play a pivotal role in the birth of the American oil industry. The rural wooded area surrounding Oil Creek would go on to be used for searching for black gold that would fuel the industrial revolution.
160-plus years after the discovery of oil, the property is now known as Oil Creek State Park. The park is a living museum, preserving the remnants of historic oil derricks, drill sites, and the remains of the industry that forever altered the course of American history.
On this episode I speak with David Hallman. David is the Park Manager of Oil Creek State Park.
Be sure to check out and support our sponsors for the 2024 season:
Keystone Trails Association
KTA is dedicated to providing, preserving, protecting and promoting recreational hiking trails and hiking opportunities in Pennsylvania. Use code "HELLBENDERS" to receive $5 off a yearly membership.
Purple Lizard Maps
Purveyors of incredibly detailed, highly curated, and waterproof trail maps of Pennsylvania's state forests. Find them at your local outfitters, bike shops, and bookstores or visit PurpleLizard.com.
Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation
The Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation began in 1999 as a statewide nonprofit organization to provide a voice for the Commonwealth’s 124 state parks and 2.2 million acres of forest land. They rally volunteers, raise funds, and advocate for these precious lands. Join the movement at PAParksandForests.org to preserve and enjoy our outdoor treasures.
Visit our website to listen to the podcast, download free outdoor kids' activities, learn more about our public lands and to purchase merch. Follow us on Instagram and Meta to stay connected.
You can support the podcast by clicking “Support this show” in the podcast description to provide a monthly donation.
Hosting, production and editing: Christian Alexandersen
Music: Jon Sauer
Graphics: Matt Davis