In 1860, The entire Mid-Ohio Valley experienced an oil boom spurred by the discovery of a large amount of oil in Wirt County (The Rathbone Well at Burning Springs). After the Civil War, new fields were developed, and refineries and various manufacturers were established in Parkersburg. As a result of the oil rush, Wood County and Parkersburg grew rapidly in population and wealth.
The photo above is of the Montgomery Hill Oil well, Which was located off of what now is Rt 50, Near Montgomery Hill Rd. |
