Oil City is a city in Venango County, Pennsylvania, United States. It is located in the northwestern part of the state, along the Allegheny River. The city was founded in 1860 and was named for the oil industry that was booming in the region at the time. Today, Oil City is known for its historic downtown area, which features Victorian-era architecture and a variety of shops and restaurants. The city is also home to several parks and outdoor recreational areas, including the Oil Creek State Park and the Samuel Justus Recreation Trail.