Glenn Thompson: “Northwest Pennsylvania has a rich history and vibrant, diverse economy. Its winding trails, beautiful landscapes…”

“Northwest Pennsylvania has a rich history and vibrant, diverse economy. Its winding trails, beautiful landscapes, recreational and educational opportunities, and thriving communities make Venango and Crawford Counties especially captivating places to live, to work, and to visit. Many of these attractions are centered around one common theme, the world's first commercial oil well. Colonel Drake successfully drilled this well in 1859, triggering the first oil boom and establishing the oil region as ``the valley that changed the world.'' His efforts not only made northwestern Pennsylvania the energy powerhouse that it is today, but it also sparked a cultural revolution that came as a result of the booming economy. We are tremendously proud of our history and heritage in northwest Pennsylvania. We still celebrate these communities that bloomed from Colonel Drake's innovative idea today, and Drake Well continues to have a tangible impact on the area's economy. In 2004, Congress designated the region as a national heritage area. There are only 49 of these areas across the country that are designated as places where natural, cultural, and historic resources combine to form a cohesive, nationally important landscape. The Oil Region National Heritage Area was the Nation's 25th national heritage area, and it celebrates the birth of the petroleum industry. The region is honored to have this important designation, but without action, it will sunset next year.…”