The discovery of oil flowing from a well in the wilds of northwestern
Pennsylvania shook the modern world in 1859. Refined as kerosene for
lamps, a lubricant for home and industrial needs, and ultimately as a
fuel for transportation in the form of gasoline, oil literally changed
the world and defined global economics and politics. Western
Pennsylvania's Oil Heritage profiles the history of Pennsylvania oil
from its discovery and development to its impact on the culture,
economy, and environment of the oil region. These vintage postcards
provide a glimpse into the wide-ranging history of western
Pennsylvania's oil region, from the cradle of the industry at Oil Creek,
to the immensely productive Bradford oil field, and on to cities and
towns like Oil City, built largely by the black gold.