Olean, New York

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:

  • Home to famous Rock City Park
  • The Olean Business Institute and a branch of Jamestown Community College are within the city
  • St. Bonaventure University is a few miles to the west in the Town of Allegany.
  • CUTCO national headquarters is based in Olean.
  • Dresser-Rand Group, Inc. North American headquarters was based in Olean.
  • Colonial Radio Group, which owns radio stations in the region and previously owned stations in the Carolinas, has been headquartered in Olean since 2009.
  • Part of the movie "Unstoppable" was filmed near a rail yard in Olean.

Upcoming Events

Visit with Santa
Wed, 12/06/2023 - 5:30pm - 8:30pm

Santa Claus will be back in the Town of Olean at his cottage in Lincoln Park on December 6th and December 13th from 5:30-8:30 pm.

Kids can leave letters for Santa in a mailbox outside his cottage created by families of the EvenStart program. Kids will also receive a small treat from Mrs. Claus!

Inside view of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels
Repeats every week until Sun Dec 31 2023 except Fri Apr 07 2023, Fri May 05 2023, Fri Jun 02 2023, Fri Jul 07 2023, Fri Aug 04 2023, Fri Sep 01 2023, Fri Oct 06 2023, Fri Nov 03 2023, Fri Dec 01 2023.
Fri, 12/08/2023 - 1:00pm - 2:00pm

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.

Horse and Carraige Rides at the 2021 Jingle Bell Jubilee
Fri, 12/08/2023 - 4:30pm - 8:00pm

The Jingle Bell Jubilee is a holiday event featuring many activities and events: the holiday market, carolers, dance groups, wreath creation class, Shop Raffle Drawing, Sips of the Season, make and take craft, horse and wagon rides; an inflated snow globe for picture opps, cocoa and cookie crawl, decorate the tree contest, cookie decorating, and even a Rudolph run! Hours for the event are

Places

West End logo

Offering Growlers for beverages on tap.

Photo of Country Gentleman Antiques

The Country Gentleman Antiques opened their door for business in August 1991. Tthe experience of owner Gary Hollamby goes back decades. He puts his years of knowledge to use when doing appraisals, estate sales, and when purchasing inventory.

Photo of camo jackets at WhitetailCountry Sports World, Inc.

Whitetail Country Sports World offers sporting goods, hunting supplies, canoes, fishing equipment, archery equipment, rifles, ammo, fishing trips and more!

Videos

  • Provided by the Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce and Olean Business Development. 
  • Rock City Park has the largest outcropping of quartz conglomerate in the world! What a rockin' place!As you can see from this video, Rock City Park has beautiful fall colors and offers visitors a great short hiking experience.
  • Tasty tasty Beef on Weck at Beef 'n Barrel Restaurant in Olean, NY.