Venango County was created on March 12, 1800, from parts of Allegheny and Lycoming Counties. Its name comes from the Indian name for French Creek. It was attached to Crawford County until April 1, 1805. Franklin, the county seat, was laid out in 1795 at Fort Franklin, which had been built in 1787 by United States troops. Both were named for Benjamin Franklin.

In August 1859, in northern Venango County, Edwin L. Drake completed the world's first commercial oil well and changed the history of the world. You can visit the location of this historic event, browsing through the museum and the grounds where a replica of Drake's Well stands. Oil's wealth enabled residents of Titusville, Oil City, Franklin, Emlenton, and other towns to construct beautiful Victorian era homes, churches, commercial buildings and fountains.

Venango County parks offer picnic areas, historic relics, fishing opportunities and hiking trails. For those who prefer to bicycle or roller blade, there are over 20 miles of paved trails. The Oil Heritage Region's attractions include an antique music museum, a transportation museum, a family fun park, bike and canoe rentals, and a ride on a train through Oil Creek Valley. Lodging choices include full service hotels, bed & breakfasts, and campgrounds. There are specialty shops and antique shops full of unique gifts, along with quality shopping available in retail establishments.

Visit the Oil Heritage Region, where you'll catch the spirit of the oil boom years and enjoy the splendid natural vistas.