History of Oil City, Pennsylvania, USA

1889 - A TERRIFIC EXPLOSION. A NITRO-GLYCERINE MAGAZINE BLOWN UP - SEVERAL DEATHS.
Oil City, Pa., Nov. 30. - An explosion of nitro-glycerine occurred in a suburb at two o'clock this afternoon in which two brothers, sons of a widow named FISHER -- JAMES, aged eighteen, and CHARLES, aged sixteen -- and ED HOFFMAN, aged twenty-six, were killed. Five tons of glycerine owned by the Torpedo Company was being unloaded from a boat and placed in the magazine. While the men were away the boys were seen to approach and it is supposed one of the party fell and caused the accident. The shock was a tremendous one. Farm houses and barns near by were shattered and blown to pieces. An ice house building three hundred feet square was reduced to kindling wood. Windows in the postoffice and depot two miles away were shattered by the shock.
Burlington Hawk-Eye
Iowa
December 1, 1889

1892 - June 4 - Oil City & Titusville Penn, destroyed by oil tank explosion; 130 die

historyorb.com
June 4, 1892

1895 - Oil City
Oil City, a city of Venango co., Pa., is situated on the Alleghany River, at the mouth of Oil Creek, 8 miles E.N.E. of Franklin, 28 miles E.S.E. of Meadville, and 18 miles S. of Titusville. It is connected with Pittsburg (132 miles distant) by the Alleghany Valley Railroad, is on the Oil Creek & Alleghany River Railroad, and is a teruminus of the Franklin Branch of the Atlantic & Great Western Rail road and of the Franklin division of the Lake Shore & Michigan Southern Railroad. The residences are mostly on a high bluff known as Cottage Hill, south of the river, and between which and the river is a narrow space occupied by business houses. Oil City is a principal oil market in the Pennsylvania oil regions, immense quantities of this commodity being bought and sold here, which were formerly shipped to Pittsburg by steamboats, but are now carried hence by railroads. The city contains 15 churches, 7 public schools, 5 banks and banking-offices, 7 hotels, 6 oil-refineries, 2 manufactories... Read MORE...

1906
Oil City, a city of Venango co., Pa., is situated on the Alleghany River, at the mouth of Oil Creek, 132 miles N. by E. of Pittsburg, on the Pennsylvania, the Erie and other railroads. Oil City is the principal oil market in the Pennsylvania oil regions, immense quantities of this commodity being bought and sold here, and there are numerous oil- wells in the surrounding region. The city contains extensive oil-refineries, oil-well supply factories, engine-, ma chine- and boiler-shops, manufactories of spokes and handles, explosives, tubes, tanks, etc. The river divides the city into two parts, which are connected by several bridges. Oil City was incorporated as a borough in 1862 and as a city in 1870. Pop. in 1890, 10,932 ; in 1900, 13,264.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

1926 - Ice Smashes Allegheny River Bridge Flood Advances on Oil City as Packs Shift.
Bulletin.
Oil City, Pa., March 21.-Flood waters are rapidly rising here. A flood stage of twenty-five feet and six inches of was reached by the Allegheny River late tonight and the water is still rising.

Franklin, Pa., March 21.-The Big Rock Bridge at Franklin, spanning the Allegheny River, collapsed tonight at 7 o’clock under the tremendous pressure of the ice jam which gave way at the 8th street Bridge one mile north of here only to form a new natural dam.

Twenty minutes before three spans of the bridge fell, two of them into the river and one across the Pennsylvania railroad tracks, a trolley car carrying fifteen or eighteen passengers, passed over the weakening structure.

Oil City, Pa., March 21.-(AP)-Ice, which had covered the Allegheny River here since Feb. 26, started downstream late this afternoon. The movement, however, was checked in half and hour, the ice piling up at the eastern end of the city, with the result that the lower parts of Oil City, along the river... Read MORE...

Oil City has something for everyone. Here's a list of places to go and things to do in this charming town:
Oil Creek State Park:

Immerse yourself in nature by exploring the trails and scenic beauty of Oil Creek State Park. The park offers hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing opportunities. Don't miss the Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad, which provides a nostalgic train ride through the park.

Venango Museum of Art, Science & Industry:

Dive into the rich history of Oil City at the Venango Museum. It showcases the area's industrial past, from the early oil boom to its contributions to the petroleum industry. The museum also features exhibits on local art and science.

Hasson Heights Ice Rink:

Enjoy some winter fun at the Hasson Heights Ice Rink. Whether you're a skilled skater or a novice, the rink is a great place to glide on the ice and soak in the seasonal atmosphere.

Allegheny River:

Take a leisurely stroll along the Allegheny River and enjoy the picturesque views. The riverfront area is perfect for a peaceful afternoon walk or a relaxing picnic with family and... Read MORE...