Oil Springs of Western Pennsylvania
The Dubuque Herald (Iowa), February 22, 1860
Correspondence of the Cleveland Herald.
Franklin, Pennsylvania, Feb. 10, 1860
Editors Herald:
Having arrived at this place which is situated at the junction of French Creek and Allegheny River, about seventy miles north from Pittsburgh, I find a great many strangers here on the alert for a “greasy sight.”
Successful Wells in Franklin
There are quite a number of wells being bored at this place, two of which have proved successful. One is owned by a Mr. Evans — a blacksmith, and a poor man. He prosecuted the work himself and struck the vein of oil at a depth of 70 feet. The indications are that it will be one of the most successful yet opened. I am informed that he has an offer of $50,000 for his claim, but which he respectfully declines. The other well, which is known as the “company well,” has been bored to the depth of 250 feet, and is yielding a fine supply of oil.
Allegheny River, Oil Creek and Pithole Creek
Between this and the mouth of Oil Creek (a distance of eight miles), there are quite a number of wells being bored, and the indications are very favorable. From the mouth of Oil Creek to the mouth of Pithole Creek, on the Allegheny River (a distance of about ten miles), there are thirteen wells being bored, one of which has struck the oil and is a success. The balance of them are progressing as fast as circumstances will permit, and with every encouragement that they will strike the oily spot soon.
Rising Land Values and Speculation
Nearly every foot of ground from the mouth of Oil Creek to the mouth of Pithole Creek — which includes the Great Bend — has changed hands lately and has now reached something like those early California mining land prices. From the foot of the Great Bend to the John Henry farm, so called, one mile above the Pithole, is considered one of the most oily locations that is to be found. The attraction now appears to be centering in this locality.
The Strategic Significance of the Great Bend
One thing we would bring to notice is that the great bend in the river is nearly opposite the famous McClintock’s well on Oil Creek. If the hill or mountain was tunneled through, the distance would not exceed, probably, one and a half miles; together with the fact that the Allegheny River is ten feet lower than Oil Creek, which naturally causes everything to flow toward the river, and would lead one at once to decide in favor of the latter.
Expanding Oil Exploration
The land on nearly all the streams that enter into the Allegheny and Oil Creek is being taken up for oil sites, with a favorable surface show in most all parts of the country. As soon as spring opens, so as to permit of close examination, they will be worked with great activity.
I was told today, that the parties boring a well near Pithole Creek, on the Great Bend of the Allegheny River, have come to oil, which proves up that part of the country. I was unable to get the particulars of the number of feet bored, etc.
I now think there will hardly be an acre about here but what will be staked off as a site to work for oil.