Pithole City
18-Month City
State: Pennsylvania
County: Venango County
Founded: 1865
Abandoned: 1866
Peak Population: 15,000
Pithole grew from forest to 15,000 people in months after 1865 oil strike. It had hotels, theaters, newspapers, and a post office busier than Philadelphia's. When oil ran out, 15,000 became 237 in 18 months. Now a historic site.
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Year-round
Difficulty: Easy
Time Needed: 1-2 hours
Quick Facts
- 0 to 15,000 to 237
- Busier than Philadelphia PO
- 18-month boom-bust
Location
Address: Pithole City, PA
Coordinates: 41.55, -79.55