Fall Research Expo 2021

South Philly Refinery Complex: The Atlantic Refinery

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Producing nearly 50% of the world's fuel and 35% of all U.S petroleum exports by 1891, the Atlantic  Refinery proved to be the center of innovation and mass production. Originating in the heart of Philadelphia, the Schuylkill river became one of the busiest canals, supporting the daily exports of cargo. Being the home to many of the refinery's ports, the river suffered from paraffin-based oil explosions to rioters dumping tonnes of oil. Despite being a great source of income for the city, the abandoned structures on the Schuylkill river continue to serve as a reminder of the economic ambitions and environmental tragedy the Atlantic Refinery left behind.

PRESENTED BY
Lynn Larabi
PURM - Penn Undergraduate Research Mentoring Program
College of Arts & Sciences 2024
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Advised By
Jared Farmer
Annenberg Professor of History at the University of Pennsylvania
jaredfarmer@sas.upenn.edu
https://web.sas.upenn.edu/jaredfarmer/
Join Lynn for a virtual discussion
Virtual Meeting
View Poster (PDF)
PRESENTED BY
Lynn Larabi
PURM - Penn Undergraduate Research Mentoring Program
College of Arts & Sciences 2024
View Profile
Advised By
Jared Farmer
Annenberg Professor of History at the University of Pennsylvania
jaredfarmer@sas.upenn.edu
https://web.sas.upenn.edu/jaredfarmer/

Comments

Really interesting project. I was wondering if you could talk a little about the refinery today. Is it still in operation? Maybe you could talk a little bit about why it is important to learn the history of things that are still very much a part of the landscape but not something we really consciously think about?

I enjoyed looking through your project! I was educated on an aspect about Philadelphia's history which I was not aware of. The historical documents in the poster as well as the timeline helped me truly understand your research.

Wow I am from South Philly and never even knew this! Really well done presentation. Do you know anything more about why it wasn't turned into something else for modern use?

It is really interesting that your project was related to Philly. I think it is definitely important for Penn and Penn students to do research related to Philly since we get to call Philly our home for four years.