Petroleum Centre

City of Mud

State: Pennsylvania County: Venango County Founded: 1866 Abandoned: 1873 Peak Population: 3,000

Located in the heart of the Oil Creek valley, Petroleum Centre was a banking and shipping hub notorious for its knee-deep mud and lawlessness. When the railroad bypassed it and oil prices dropped, it was abandoned. It is now a focal point of Oil Creek State Park.

Plan Your Visit

Best Time: Summer/Fall

Difficulty: Easy

Time Needed: 1-2 hours

Quick Facts

  • Home to Coal Oil Johnny
  • Famous for extreme mud
  • Inside Oil Creek State Park

Location

Address: Petroleum Centre, PA

Coordinates: 41.5167, -79.6833