After scraping the windows for the first time on the trip (old dad has done a pretty good job dashing and dancing around the weather) we went to Titusville, PA, where Col. Edwin Drake drilled a whopping 67' to strike oil in 1859 and begin an industry near and dear to my heart. Since the Indians and settlers had been skimming seeping oil from nearby Oil Creek (where was the EPA?), he didn't use a lot of geological technology or 3D seismic.
The associated museum is a pleasure for me because it presents the industry in a realistic light, pointing out the numerous products we rely upon and technological advances made possible by oil and gas.
No denying it was messy to start but it's come a long way and is flat out amazing how they retrieve the Texas tea these days.
Too cold to tour the entire exhibit, but very cool to see the beginnings.
Then on to Lake Erie and some War of 1812, specifically the USS Niagara Perry's flagship when he defeated the British fleet in 1813. It's a tale of American determination and resolve. Getting the material, shipwrights, and sailors to the Lakes was a challenge all by itself. Then defeating the British navy was earth shattering. Of course Perry went on to further acclaim with his blue water naval victories, but securing the Great Lakes was crucial to the ultimate American victory. Another often overlooked historical note was that much of Perry's crew was negro and apparently darned good.
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| Christmas trees on the mast were a nice touch. |
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| Museum has a nice warm observation window to observe crazy people touring ships in sub freezing weather. |
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