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America’s Oil Heritage Trail

April 20, 2008

Hoo boy, we’ve been internally combusting along all these years, happy and clueless about the brackish roots of the American petroleum industry. We’d driven by historical landmarks — the oil discovery markers in the east, the oil strike and boom regions of the west. If we had time to stop, usually the meager reward was a deserted park centered around a caustic goo pot, with little explanation.

But gas prices are hurtling to $4 and beyond, and There Will Be Blood imagery is still fresh in our skulls, so it’s time to write about our visit to the Drake Well Museum in Titusville, Pennsylvania.

That’s just a short hop from the ghost oil boom town of Pithole. And if that sets your fever slick alight, head west to Caldwell, Ohio to find the 1814 Thorla-McKee Well (a complete accidental find, but has dibs on the “first oil well” claim).

From there it’s a too-long, too-expensive drive to Beaumont, Texas for their Gusher Monument and Replica Oil Boomtown.

We’ll keep an eye out for more stops along America’s Oil Heritage Trail.

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