The Phillips and Woodford Wells on Tarr Farm, north of Oil City, Pennsylvania, in 1873.

This Day in Oil History: Nov. 15, 1867 – PA Petroleum Declines

“Decline in Pennsylvania Petroleum Business”

Providence Morning Herald, November 15, 1867

The decay of the speculative branch of the petroleum business in Pennsylvania is shown by the decrease of the population of Pithole City. During the height of the petroleum excitement, it numbered 14,000 people, whilst at the October election it polled but 92 votes, indicating that its population is much less than 1,000.


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