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:
A fleet of classic cars will be on full display every Thursday through the summer until August 25th in the parking lot of the Olean Center Mall.
The City of Olean Music Series is back!
Starting May 26th, concerts will run from 6:30pm - 8:30pm every Thursday at Olean's Lincoln Park, with four Saturdays and a Monday being added to the list too.
• May 28, Saturday, Twin Tiers Community Band (Variety)
City Set For A BOOMING FOURTH! Bradner Stadium, Olean, gates open at 5:30 PM. Coolers and packages carried into the stadium will be checked for security reasons. In case of inclement weather, the fireworks will be scheduled for the next clear night.
The fireworks are organized by the Olean Professional Firefighters Association.
Welcome to Brother’s Bistro! Located in the center of Olean’s historic business district, Brother’s Bistro serves the Olean Area's finest International Foods. At Brother’s Bistro, every dish is created using only the freshest, finest ingredients. They serve only the choicest meats and seafood, freshest vegetables, breads and pastries that are baked fresh daily.
The Visitors Center showcases the growth of CUTCO and Vector Marketing Corporation - the exclusive marketer of CUTCO - and portrays the rich heritage of KA-BAR knives. Guests will learn how products are made and sold. Displays include antique kitchen cutlery, military and pocket knives, as well as historical photographs and documents. CUTCO and Kabar products can be purchased.
Inviting atmosphere, cozy booths, and a crackling fireplace.
Monday - Thursday11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Friday - Saturday11:00 a.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Sunday12:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
It's a full 56-page comprehensive guide, highlighting the activities and attractions in our County.
Request the Enchanted Mountains guide to be snail mailed to you for FREE!
Griffis Sculpture Park is located on over 400 acres and holds over 250 sculptures.
