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:
The Greater Olean Home Show is where to go for the latest in products and services for your home! Each year, in one location, business experts gather with everything from kitchen and bath appliances to windows and siding. Hundreds of homeowners will walk through the doors of William O. Smith Recreation Center looking for ideas and trends designed for their biggest investment- their home.
The officials at Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce have announced the Community-Wide Garage Sale will be held Saturday, May 22nd, from 9 AM until 4 PM. The Chamber is encouraging people to get up in their attics, basements, and garages and start sorting and cleaning.
The one and only Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball, America's largest outdoor basketball tournament, will be held in Olean on their new dates of June 4th-6th
Specializing in burgers, Jak's menu lists 26 different hamburgers with load of great topping combinations - including a portobello burger, cowboy burger and grilled cheeseburger. All burgers are 100% beef, home-made, and individually hand-pressed.
Jak's also serves fried foods, soups and a variety of sandwiches, including veggie and turkey burgers.
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.
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 and it's FREE!!
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Over 425 Miles of state funded snowmobile trails, including 69 miles within Allegany State Park.