Before oil and gas became the dominant industry in the Oil Region, other trades made their homes there first. Lumber was a popular business in the region, as well as coal mining, farming, and even extensive iron refining! Two men pictured beneath the Victory Furnace in Victory Township, c. 1910. Iron is a plentiful natural material that has been used throughout human history, with pieces of iron dating back to ancient Egyptian civilizations. Ancient writings from China and India both refer to...

Throughout the oil boom in the late 19th century, a considerable number of wild and roaring dance halls, bars, and brothels appeared in Venango County and the surrounding areas — such as those run by Ben Hogan and French Kate . At the turn of the 20th century, however, attitudes in the Oil Region began to shift towards temperance and prohibition.  The 18th Amendment began the Prohibition era in 1920 with a ban on manufacturing, transporting, and selling intoxicating liquors within the United...

Margaret Mattson, a Swedish immigrant, was accused of witchcraft during the winter of 1684 in Delaware County, Pennsylvania. Neighbors and acquaintances said that she could bewitch cows and livestock, appear in spectral form, knew the dark arts, and was generally threatening. She was taken to trial for these accusations in what would go on to be the only officially recorded trial in the history of Pennsylvania for witchcraft. Mattson pleaded not guilty to the charges before her. The trial...