Olean is a town in Cattaraugus County, New York. The name is derived from the Latin word "oleum" due to the discovery of crude oil in nearby Ischua.
The Town of Olean is in the southeast corner of the county. The City of Olean, originally the Village of Olean, is adjacent to the town.
Olean was first settled around 1805. The Town of Olean was established in 1808 as the only town in the county. The "Town of Ischua," (now Franklinville) was established in 1812, part of Perrysburg was removed in 1814, Great Valley was formed in 1818, Hinsdale in 1820, and Portville, in 1837.
The Village of Olean, was originally named "Hamilton," after Alexander Hamilton, but was called Olean Point until simplified to Olean in 1823.
The name "Olean" was suggested for the area due to the oil found in the vicinity. The famed Seneca Oil Spring, discovered by the Franciscan Missionary Joseph De La Roche D'Allion in 1627 was located about 14 miles upstream of Olean Point. The original town hall burned in 1884, prompting a law that forbade wooden structures in parts of the town.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 29.7 square miles, of which, 29.6 square miles of it is land and 0.1 square miles of it (0.27%) is water
The City of Olean is a city within the Town of Olean in Cattaraugus County, New York. Olean is the largest city in Cattaraugus County, and serves as the financial, business and transportation center of the county. It is one of the principal cities of the Southern Tier region of New York.
The city is surrounded by the Town of Olean and is located in the southeastern part of the county.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 6.2 square miles, of which, 5.9 square miles of it is land and 0.2 square miles of it (3.73%) is water.
The city is located where Olean Creek flows into the Allegheny River and by the Southern Tier Expressway (Interstate 86 and New York State Route 17). New York State Route 417 passes east-west through the city and intersects New York State Route 16, a north-south highway.
Interesting facts:
Enjoy a good old-fashioned church festival at the St. Mary of the Angels Basilica Fest in Olean, NY! Three big days of Faith + Family + Fun! They've been doing it for 51 years and can’t stop! Come enjoy the drive to the scenic Enchanted Mountains where food, games, music and fun await you!
Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels Free Tours available on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Fridays of the month. No reservations necessary. Come and discover the beauty of the southern tier's Basilica of St.
The BasilicaFEST 5k Run/ 5K Walk will be held on June 11th. Registration begins at 7am at Gargoyle Park.
Registration is available online at Smaolean.org or on the day of the race!
Forness Park is a public park in Olean, NY.
Buy organic items, environmentally friendly products, local products and more at Park & Shop.
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There's nothing better on a hot summer day than an orange cream-slush from Hi-Ho. You can also make this the perfect spot for a lunch break!
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