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This large and finely detailed map captures the heart of the Middle Oil Field in northwestern Pennsylvania, a key area during the height of the state's oil boom in the late 19th century. The map covers a broad area south of the Allegheny River, from Warren at the northern edge down to Shippenville, and westward to Tionesta. These regions were integral to the early development of the American oil industry, contributing significantly to the rise of petroleum as a dominant energy source.
The map documents the names and boundaries of hundreds of individual oil leases, illustrating the extensive division of oil-producing land among various companies and operators. It reflects the highly competitive nature of the industry at the time.
The legend differentiates between the types of wells found within the field, including Drilling Wells (active but yet to yield), Producing Wells (currently extracting oil), Light Wells (yielding light oil), Dry Wells (failed or exhausted attempts), and Gas Wells (producing natural gas). This information would have been crucial to investors, drillers, and landowners seeking to evaluate the potential and productivity of specific areas within the field.
By 1883, Pennsylvania had established itself as the epicenter of the world’s oil production, thanks to the vast oil reserves discovered throughout the state. Maps like Opperman’s were essential for navigating the complexities of the oil business during this period, which was marked by a rush for control over oil leases and resources. The Middle Oil Field, encompassing parts of Warren, Forest, and Clarion Counties, was one of several major oil fields that helped transform the U.S. economy and energy landscape in the late 19th century.
Pennsylvania was the birthplace of the modern oil era following the first successful drilling at Titusville in 1859.
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