The Stories of Venango County

Venango County boasts a rich tapestry of cultural, historical, and recreational treasures waiting to be discovered. Delve into the narratives shared by our community as you explore the streets, parks, and landmarks that define our region and give insight to the change that has been experienced since early settlement. From historical anecdotes to personal reflections, the tour offers a mosaic of perspectives that paint a vivid picture of our community's culture, history, and identity. Engage with the content in real-time, interacting with photos, videos, and audio clips shared by locals who call this place home. From tales of triumph to moments of reflection, each story adds depth and meaning to your journey, transforming each visit into an immersive experience. Whether you're a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, you may learn something new about this place we call home. If you would like to contribute to this tour by sharing your story, please visit this link or email us at venangotours@gmail.com.

Venango County is located in the northwestern part of Pennsylvania and was created on March 12, 1800 from parts of Allegheny and Lycoming Counties and was attached to Crawford County until 1805. In 1839, part of the county became Clarion County (some Clarion records from 1800-1839 are found in Venango County). Additionally, part of Venango County was included in Forest County in 1848. The city of Franklin was selected as the county seat on March 26, 1808. It was originally laid out in 1795 at the site of Fort Franklin, which was built in 1787 and named after Dr. Benjamin Franklin. The town was incorporated as a borough in April 1828 and chartered as a city on April 4, 1868. Narratives throughout this tour have been supplemented with information from the Venango County PAGenWeb project.