The Historic Small Town That Every Pennsylvanian Should Visit At Least Once
By Beth Price-Williams|Published January 11, 2018
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
History whispers from all corners of PA. Pick up a history book or travel just about anywhere in the state and you’ll discover a part of our state’s fascinating history. The Battle of Gettysburg. The rise of the state’s salt industry in Saltsburg. And Titusville, the historic small town where very first oil rush in the United States took place.
The historic town of Titusville, home to less than 5,400 residents, has become synonymous with the start of the oil rush in the United States.
Edwin Drake first hit oil in Titusville in August of 1859, signaling the start of the oil boom in PA that would last until the beginning of the 1870s. The boom also led the Oil Creek Railroad Company to build a railway line that connected the town with other points east and west.
Get a glimpse of the birthplace of the oil industry with a visit to the Drake Well Museum and Park. The 240-acre park features plenty to see both outdoors and indoors. Explore (outdoors) a replica of the Drake Well before moving on to the final four exhibits that take you through the process of oil drilling from beginning to end.
Visit the Drake Well Museum & Park at 202 Museum Lane, Titusville, PA 16354.
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Journey indoors to get a glimpse at the more than 500 artifacts that will give you a better understanding of the past, present, and future of oil. Your tour begins with an insightful film in the orientation theater. Then, hop aboard a rail car with the Oil Creek & Titusville Railroad and...
Watch the picturesque countryside roll by. The popular railroad offers scenic tours as well as special events throughout the year. Murder Mystery Dinners, the Peter Cottontail Express, and World War II Weekend are all popular events.
Don't forget to pack your hiking gear. The three-mile Queen City Trail starts near at the Jersey Bridge (pictured below) near the Drake Well Museum and Park and travels through the town.
Every summer, Titusville hosts the annual Oil Festival. The two-day festival features a slew of activities, including a parade, live entertainment, children's activities, vendors, and a wine walk. Of course, fireworks help cap off the celebration.
You won't have to look far in Titusville to find adorable restaurants dishing up an assortment of comfort foods. Missy's Arcade Restaurant, for example, serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The menu includes such delicious dishes as ham loaf, grilled cheese, and stuffed chicken casserole.
Missy's Arcade Restaurant is located at 116 Diamond Street, Titusville, PA 16354
Extend your trip to Titusville by staying overnight at the charming Caboose Motel. Comprised of former rail cars, the motel sits right next to railroad tracks. Each car features its own WiFi, air conditioning, heating, and television. The motel is open from May through October annually.
