Oil Region National Heritage Area

The Valley that Changed the World

Past, Present and Future

Pennsylvania’s Oil Region is rich with history.

It was within the Oil Region that, in 1859, “Colonel” Edwin Drake drilled the world’s first commercial oil well, initiating a chain of events that literally changed the world.

But that’s our history.

Welcome to the future — your future. Welcome to the Oil Region. Whether you’re considering a visit, setting up shop, a permanent move, catching up with your hometown or brushing up on history, we have the information you need.

The Alliance

The Oil Region Alliance manages the assets of the federally designated Oil Region National Heritage Area, which spans all of Venango County eastern Crawford County.

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Tourism

Museums, lively local arts, brew pubs, shops, and a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities mean the Oil Region has something for everyone in every season.

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History and Heritage

The Oil Region Alliance has been preserving and promoting the history and heritage of this area since its designation as an official PA Heritage Area in 1994 and a National Heritage Area since 2004.

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Economic Development

With a certified economic developer at the helm and decades of traditional and non-traditional economic development, the Oil Region Alliance actively works to attract new industry and assist existing companies to expand.

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Be Part of the Process

Make a Nomination for the Historic Preservation Awards

May is National Historic Preservation Month. Each May the Oil Region Alliance hosts a ceremony to honor historic preservation projects in the Oil Region. Learn more about this event and how you can make nominations now for the 2024 awards.

Historic Preservation Awards

Oil Region Alliance

Our mission

The mission of the Oil Region Alliance of Business, Industry & Tourism is to manage the Oil Region National Heritage Area and to increase the prosperity of the Oil Region by enticing all people to live, work, learn and play in “the Valley that Changed the World” through the preservation, promotion, development, and support of historical, educational, natural, recreational, residential, commercial and industrial destinations.

Quality of Life

The Oil Region has a quality of life that is second to none.

A natural setting of breathtaking beauty, high quality schools, abundant cultural activities and proximity to some of the nation’s great urban centers: all of this is available at a very favorable cost of living, much less than surrounding and competitive areas.

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Online Store

We have a wide variety of books, gifts, and gear for anyone who is interested in the Oil Region.

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