Industry
4
Edwin I. Drake, a former railroad conductor, traveled to Titusville in 1857 to find and produce oil in commercial quantities. Partnering with salt well driller and blacksmith "Uncle Billy" Smith, they persevered and struck oil on August 27, 1859, at a depth of 69.5 feet. Their discovery prompted people to pour into the region for their chance at wealth, and Titusville became the birthplace of the oil industry.
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Titusville, Pennsylvania · United States
