Rep. Mike Kelly, U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 16th District | Official U.S. House headshot
Rep. Mike Kelly, U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 16th District | Official U.S. House headshot
On January 4, 2025, President Joe Biden signed into law a bill to rename the Titusville, Pennsylvania Post Office in honor of Edwin Drake. The legislation was led by U.S. Representative Mike Kelly and passed through both chambers of Congress, with approval from the House of Representatives in June 2024 and the Senate in December 2024.
The bill, designated as H.R. 7417, officially changes the name of the United States Postal Service facility at 135 W. Spring St. to the Edwin L. Drake Post Office Building.
“Edwin Drake’s discovery led to a revolution that transformed the world and put Titusville and the Oil Region in the history books. Now, I am proud to cement his legacy in our Nation’s history with this honor,” stated Rep. Kelly. He expressed gratitude towards his colleagues for supporting this initiative to recognize an American pioneer.
In April 2024, Rep. Kelly's proposal was approved by the House Oversight and Accountability Committee after its introduction in February alongside all other members of Pennsylvania's Congressional delegation.
Edwin Drake is noted for being the first individual to drill for oil using an iron pipe in 1859, marking a significant milestone that spurred economic growth both regionally and globally. His original tools are preserved at the Drake Well Museum in Titusville.
This follows similar efforts by Rep. Kelly who previously enacted legislation to rename a post office in Butler, Pennsylvania after Civil War hero Andrew Gomer Williams.
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