As the mayor of Oil City, I am pleased to welcome you. Oil City is growing its economy by building on our mix of manufacturing companies, service industries and recreational opportunities. We have an enthusiastic and dedicated workforce, which truly make us a “Special Blend of People”. I hope you take the time to look at our website and discover Oil City and its great services and opportunities. Don’t forget to click on the links for the various city departments to find even more information about this great city.

Oil City, first settled in 1803 and chartered as a city in 1871, is a remarkable city with a rich heritage based upon the discovery of oil and the growth of the oil industry. Oil City also has an amazing cultural and diverse ethnic heritage, which is demonstrated by our many stately churches and beautiful architecturally significant homes. Our busy public library is an original Carnegie Library and houses a genealogy room. Several public parks are spaced throughout the city including a large tree lined park with a rare collection of rhododendrons. Recreational opportunities abound with a new public swimming pool, a skateboard park and several softball and baseball fields along with an active YMCA and YWCA and many other clubs and social organizations. We are located approximately 90 miles from Pittsburgh and 85 miles from Cleveland, making Oil City logistically well located for economic development.

The Oil City Arts Council provides concerts both along the Allegheny River and in the National Transit Building, a historic John D. Rockefeller structure that played a key role in the power of the Standard Oil Company. Now the building houses art classes, a well-appointed gallery featuring our many local artists, and the offices of numerous community agencies including the Oil Region Alliance, the area’s lead economic development agency. The Arts Council also sponsors Jolly July 3rd and the very popular First Night Event on New Year’s Eve. We have a newly established artist relocation program and have provided several artists with studio space. We are assisting artists from around the nation to relocate to Oil City. There is an abundance of affordable and charming housing stock available in Oil City.

The beautiful Allegheny River and historic Oil Creek run through our city and provides opportunities for fishing, boating, canoeing and kayaking. Of course, you can always sit back and relax and enjoy the area’s spectacular scenery and wildlife.

Hunting, hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing and other outdoor activities are literally on our doorstep. Just an example is our bike trail, which is part of a lengthy “rails to trails” system that largely follows the Allegheny River. In addition, Oil Creek State Park, Cook Forest Park, the Allegheny National Forest and Two Mile Run County Park are just minutes away.

During July, we celebrate our heritage with our annual Venango Area Chamber of Commerce Oil Heritage Festival. We invite you to come for a visit. Plan on staying awhile as there is much to do and enjoy.

When I moved to Oil City ten years ago, I quickly realized that this city, with its friendly and caring people, excellent services, great sense of community and volunteerism, historic heritage, scenic natural beauty, and quiet, safe and pleasant environment is a very special place. It is the place I proudly call “home”. I sincerely welcome you to visit us and participate in the wonders of Oil City. I do suggest that you plan on staying awhile as it will be difficult to leave such a pleasant place.