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 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 26, Freddy and The Jets (Oldies)
The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce and city leadership are inviting the community out for a night on the town. Working with the city and members of the business community, the Chamber is announcing “StrOlean,” the event aims to bring folks to the downtown shopping district for an evening of fun.
Tri-County Arts Council - Events
Tatting is a type of vintage lacework that uses a basic double knot that is repeated over and over again, done with a tatting shuttle. Come find out how to make lace edgings, snowflakes, and more. If you enjoy crochet, knitting, embroidery, and sewing, then there’s a good chance that you’ll enjoy tatting.
Since 1929 Worth W. Smith Co. has been providing customers with the most usual and unusual merchandise to complete all your home and hobby projects. With 4 store locations they are bound to have what you are looking for. Come visit any of the New York and Pennsylvania locations and see why they are called "EXTREME HARDWARE"!
They specailize in:
Rent a kayak or canoe for an amazing trip down the beautiful Allegheny River! They will haul the rental up to Portville for you, provide a life preserver, then meet you when you land after your fun 2 hour trip back down to their headquarters on Greene St. in Olean.
Neighborhood sportsbar.
Come join generations of family & friends enjoying cold beer, warm atmosphere & friendly bartenders!
Daily food specials and live music weekly.
Monday - Friday2:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.
Saturday - Sunday1:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.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!
Rt. 62 is the only east-west route that connects Canada with Mexico.
With its origin at Niagara Falls and end at El Paso, Texas, parts of the road follow the Ozark Trail.
Rt. 62 begins in Cattaraugus County in the Village of Gowanda and travels south through Dayton, Leon and Conewango (through Amish country) before heading west into Chautauqua County.