Historical Markers in
Crawford County, Pennsylvania

Algrunix Building, 1894 Allegheny College Alliance College Amalie Atlantic Motor Oil Baldwin House Benson Memorial Library Bicentennial Birth of George Washington Bicentennial Birthplace of the Direct Primary Bishop James M. Thoburn Blooming Valley Honor Roll Blue Streak Brown Street Bridge Burgess Park Byron D Benson Cambridge Springs Central Station Chamber of Commerce Chestnut St. Bridge Col. William Crawford Colonel Drake Park Company "A" 211th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers Conneaut Reservoir Corinthian Hall, 1865 Crawford County Crawford County's Tribute to Her Loyal Sons Cytemp Specialty Steel Company Dedicated to All VeteransÂ… Desegregation of Pennsylvania Schools Drake Well Early Refinery Edwin L. Drake Erected May 12, 1888 Erie Extension Canal Erie Extension Canal Erie Extension Canal Exxon First Christian Church First Presbyterian Church Founding Site of Allegheny College French Creek French Creek Feeder French Creek Feeder Geology George Custer Home Grant Street Bridge Gulf Hillcrest Historic District Hyde Home, 1864 Ida M. Tarbell Ida Tarbell John A. Mather John Brown Tannery John Brown's Tannery John Heisman John Mather Home John William Heisman Jonathan Titus Joseph Seep Home Judge Derickson House Library Hall M60A1 McGill House McKinney Hall Meadville Meadville Market House Meadville Woolen Mills Meridian Building Mill Run Oil Creek Oil Creek Oil-Producing Salt Well Penn-Drake Motor Oils Pennzoil & South Penn Pioneer Park [Cemetery] Quaker State Motor Oil Raymond Philip Shafer Richard Henderson Roberts Torpedo Roddy Law Office Rural Electrification Scheide Home, 1864 Second National Bank, 1865 Site of First Court House and Gaol North of Pittsburg Site of the Gibson Tavern Site of Titusville Oil Exchange Specialty Steelmaker of Titusville Spindletop Spirella Company St. James Episcopal Church, 1863 St. Titus Church Standard Oil Company Sterling Oil Sun Oil Co./Sunoco Texaco The Abbott Home The Federal Building The Ice Industry and the Ice Houses The Kepler Hotel The Market House Plaza The Masonic Building The Promenade de Fismes The Railroads The Shryock Store The Snodgrass Building The Spirella Company The Tarbell House The Venango Veterans Memorial Bridge This Carousel This Tablet Tidewater Titusville Forge Division Honor Roll Titusville Iron Company, 1860 Titusville Iron Works Company Titusville Oil Exchange Titusville Oil Exchange: World's First Titusville Trust Company, 1919 Titusvillia Drakei Caster To the Memory of the Brave Townville Episcopal Chapel Bell Union 76 Gasoline Unitarian Church Universal Cyclops Steel Corporation Veterans Memorial Valvoline Veterans Memorial Veterans Memorial War Veterans Memorial Western NY and PA Railway Freight Station, 1892 William D. Rider William White Building Within This Block Wolf's Head Oils and Lubes
The first successful commercially produced automobile in America was built in Philadelphia in 1895 by the Duryea brothers.
Crawford County, Pennsylvania has a rich history that dates back to its settlement by Native American tribes, including the Seneca and Iroquois. However, the region's European history began in the 18th century when French and British forces competed for control of the area during the French and Indian War. Eventually, the British emerged victorious and claimed the land.

The county's official founding took place in 1800 when it was established as part of the new Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The town of Meadville was designated as the county seat and quickly became a vital center for trade and commerce. In the early 19th century, the county experienced a population boom as settlers arrived in search of fertile land and economic opportunities.

Crawford County played a significant role in the development of the American transportation system. In the mid-1800s, the county became a hub for several important transportation routes, including the Erie Canal and various railroads. This led to further growth and prosperity for the region, with industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, and lumber booming.

The county also has a notable military history. During the American Civil War, many men from Crawford County joined the Union Army to fight for the preservation of the United States. The county's soldiers participated in major battles, including Gettysburg, and made significant contributions to the Union cause.

Today, Crawford County is known for its picturesque landscapes, thriving agricultural sector, and rich cultural heritage. Its history serves as a reminder of the region's resilience and determination. From the early days of Native American settlements to its contributions to the growth of transportation and participation in the Civil War, Crawford County's past is intertwined with the overall narrative of Pennsylvania and the United States.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Crawford County, Pennsylvania.

  • 1785: Crawford County was established on March 12, 1785.
  • 1800: The county's population reaches over 5,000.
  • 1810: Meadville becomes the county seat.
  • 1825: The Allegheny River is connected to French Creek through the completion of the French Creek Feeder Canal.
  • 1850: The population of Crawford County surpasses 30,000.
  • 1861-1865: Many men from Crawford County serve in the American Civil War.
  • 1879: Titusville becomes the site of the world's first successful commercial oil well, leading to the oil boom in the region.
  • 1890: The population of Crawford County peaks at over 50,000.
  • 1925: Crawford County celebrates its centennial.
  • 1941-1945: Crawford County contributes to the war effort during World War II.
  • 2010: The population of Crawford County is approximately 88,765.