Congressman
John E. Peterson

Crawford County

Mr. Peterson speaks about the need for Energy Independence during an Energy Town Hall at Drake's Well.

Crawford County was created in 1800 from part of Allegheny County and named for Colonel William Crawford, a frontier hero. The 1,038 square miles of Crawford County are made up largely of foothills and flatlands, and agriculture and timber are its primary natural resources. The county seat of Meadville, named for founder David Mead, was incorporated as a borough in 1823. The 5th Congressional district includes the southeast courner of Crawford County surrounding Titusville.

In August 1859, Colonel Edwin L. Drake completed the world's first successful oil well near Titusville and changed the course of history. This birthplace of the oil industry enabled residents of Titusville and other oil towns to construct beautiful Victorian era homes, churches, commercial buildings and fountains. Designated an Oil Heritage Region, this area features an antique music museum, a transportation museum, a family fun park, bike and canoe rentals, and a ride on the Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad. You can visit the location of this historic event and browse through the museum and grounds which contain a replica of Drake's Well.

One of many historic buildings in Titusville is the girlhood home of Ida Tarbell, an early 20th century journalist whose investigative work led to the breakup of John D. Rockefeller's Standard Oil empire in 1911. Tarbell, who was featured in a recent commemorative postage stamp series, is also known for writing several popular biographies including eight books on Abraham Lincoln.

The eight lakes of Crawford County draw outdoor enthusiasts to the area for sailing, swimming, fishing, camping and an endless variety of other activities. Pymatuning, a flood control reservoir created on the Shenango River, is the largest body of water in Pennsylvania. At the Erie National Wildlife Refuge in Crawford County, visitors can observe the state's largest colony of nesting eagles. And numerous streams and trails offer unlimited fun for outdoor adventurers and nature enthusiasts. From scenic beauty and outdoor recreation to amazing history and the largest agricultural county fair in Pennsylvania, you can experience it all in Crawford County!

Visit Crawford County:
Crawford County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Oil Heritage Region Tourist Promotion Agency
Adventures in Northwest PA
Nature Tourism in Northwest PA
Victorian Region of Northern PA

Local News:
Titusville Herald
Meadville Tribune
Forever Broadcasting
GBS Television

Local Weather:
Weather in Titusville

Economic Development:
Titusville Chamber of Commerce
Meadville Chamber of Commerce
Northwest PA Regional Planning and Development Commission
Meadville Area Industrial Commission
Northwest PA Industrial Resource Center
Ben Franklin Technology Partners
Northwest Pennsylvania Workforce Investment Area
Northwest Pennsylvania Business Retention Program
Small Business Development Center

Health Care:
Titusville Area Hospital
Meadville Medical Center

Education:
University of Pittsburgh-Titusville
Titusville Area High School
Conneaut School District
Crawford Central School District
Penncrest School District
Crawford County AVTS
Harry T. Kerr Skills Center
More information on Crawford County schools

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