Ida Minerva Tarbell was a journalist, labelled a “muckraker” for her investigation of the oil industry.

Born in Erie County, Ida moved to Titusville in 1870 when her father became involved in the oil business. She was among the first females to attend Allegheny College, housed in Hulings Hall, graduating in the class of 1880 memorialized by the Sophomore Stone. She found her calling working as a journalist in The Chautauquan office in Meadville, Pa from 1883 to 1891. In 1894 she moved to New York City, where her work at McClure's Magazine led her to investigate the oil industry, challenging Rockefeller’s business techniques. Her research papers for The History of the Standard Oil Company are found at the Drake Well Museum. She also wrote a biography of Abraham Lincoln, and her research collection is held at Allegheny College. She was named a trustee of Allegheny College in 1912 and maintained close connections to the region until her death in 1944.

Explore the sites to follow the trail of Ida Tarbell’s life.