Olean
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.
Location
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.
History
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.
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.
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.
Learn more about the City of Olean.
Learn more about the Town of Olean.
Places in Olean
Clean, consistent, comfortable rooms for family or business trips. Newly updated rooms with favorable reports.
Seasonal business with locally grown produce, flower baskets, bedding plants and Christmas Trees.
Whitetail Country Sports World, Inc.
Where to Stay for the Eclipse
Wheel Throwing at Tri-County Arts Council
Warm Weather Fun!
The start of all of your Spring and Summer Fun is upon us!
Visit with Santa at The Fannie Bartlett House 2024
Take a trip back in time with a Victorian Christmas at the Fannie Bartlett House in Olean.
Kids day at the Fannie Bartlett house is on December 7th from noon -3pm. Kids will have the opportunity to visit with Santa from 1pm -3pm.
This Queen Anne-style house was originally built in 1881 by George Foreman, and purchased in 1891 by Frank and Fannie Bartlett for $15,000, a hefty sum for that time, he said. The house features nine rooms decorated in turn-of-the-century Victoriana and seven fireplaces, each different in design and composition.
Visit Santa's Cottage in 2023
Santa Claus will be back in the Town of Olean at his cottage in Lincoln Park on 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!
Victorian Christmas at The Olean Bartlett House 2024
Take a trip back in time with a Victorian Christmas at the Fannie Bartlett House in Olean, the Friday after Thanksgiving. Watch the Santa Claus Lane Parade before or after touring this beautifully restored mansion built in 1881 with 15 rooms, including a third-floor ballroom.
The historic house will be adorned with Christmas decorations during its annual open house on Friday from 6-9pm. There will be refreshments and raffle baskets, proceeds to benefit the Bartlett House.
Victorian Christmas at The Olean Bartlett House 2023
Take a trip back in time with a Victorian Christmas at the Fannie Bartlett House in Olean, the Friday after Thanksgiving. Watch the Santa Claus Lane Parade before or after touring this beautifully restored mansion built in 1881 with 15 rooms, including a third-floor ballroom.
The historic house will be adorned with Christmas decorations during its annual open house on Friday from 6-9pm. There will be refreshments and raffle baskets, proceeds to benefit the Bartlett House.
Union Whiskey
Two Locations in Cattaraugus County named in Top 10 Hidden Hidden Gems of WNY 2011
In 2011, an article written by Christine A. Smyczynski for the Member Connection, the magazine for AAA Members, two of the treasures of the Enchanted Mountains of Cattaraugus County have been named in the top 10 Hidden Gems in Western New York by AAA.
Tri-County Arts Council: Wire Bending/Rainbow Casting Heart Catcher Workshop
Join the Tri-County Arts Council for an exciting Wire Bending/Rainbow Casting Heart Catcher Workshop on November 2nd from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. SerenHippity will be your guide, helping you channel your creativity into crafting a unique wire-bent Heart Catcher that will cast beautiful rainbow prisms in your home or garden.
Tri-County Arts Council: Tree Painting Workshop
As Christmas approaches, join Jessica Borchert on December 7th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM for a magical painting session. Learn to create a beautiful Christmas tree, making a heartfelt gift perfect for your loved ones.
Cost:
$30 - Artisan Members & Above
$40 - Basic/Family Members & Non-Members
Tri-County Arts Council: Rubber Duck Still Life Workshop
Join Jessica Borchert on November 2nd from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM for a delightful painting class that will bring back the whimsical joy of a rubber duck. In this session, you’ll create a vibrant masterpiece on a 14" x 11" canvas.
Cost:
- $30 for Artisan Members and above
- $40 for Basic/Family Members and Non-Members
For more details and to reserve your spot, visit http://www.tricountyartscouncil.org
Tri-County Arts Council: Pumpkin Still Life Workshop
Join Jessica Borchert on October 1st from 5:00pm-7:00pm at the Tri-County Arts Council in Olean to celebrate Fall by painting a still life of pumpkins and create an original art piece to add to your fall decor.
Cost:
$30 - Artisan Members & Above
$40 - Basic/Family Members & Non-members
Tri-County Arts Council: Pumpkin Carving Workshop with Eric Jones
The Tri-County Arts Council is hosting a Pumpkin Carving workshop with the renowned artist and TV personality, Eric Jones! Join Eric on October 8th and October 22nd, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and learn the intricacies of pumpkin carving from a master. Ages 12 and up are welcome.
Tri-County Arts Council: Pet Painting Workshop
Join Jessica Borchert on November 19th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM for a vibrant workshop where you’ll use bright colors and a grid technique to create a stunning portrait of your pet. The class will use a 14" x 11" canvas. While we’d love to meet your pet in person, please bring a photo reference of your furry friend instead.
Cost:
$30 - Artisan Members & Above
$40 - Basic/Family Members & Non-Members
Tri-County Arts Council: Fall Floral Arrangement Workshop with Scarlet Lily
Join "The Scarlet Lily", Ashlie DeArmitt, on November 14th from 6:00-7:00pm for a Fall Floral Arrangement Workshop.
Discover your inner florist this fall by joining this floral arrangement class! Whether you’re just starting out or already have a green thumb, this class provides hands-on instruction to help you create breathtaking floral designs. Master the art of balancing colors, textures, and shapes to make stunning arrangements that will add a touch of beauty to any room.
Cost:
Tri-County Arts Council: Encaustic Workshop
Join Merry Ryding on October 26th from 11am-2pm for an Encaustic workshop at the Tri-County Arts Council in Olean.
Explore the art of Encaustic, a hot wax medium perfect for transforming paper scraps and other lightweight materials into beautiful creations. Participants can bring small copies of photos, poems, or quotes printed on lightweight paper, though various papers will be provided.
Tri-County Arts Council: Ceramic Village Workshop
The Tri-County Arts Council invites you to a Ceramic Village Workshop on October 12th and October 26th, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
Join Violet Nolder for this beginner-friendly hand-building class where you’ll create a charming village house. You can choose to make it Fall or Christmas themed! In the first session on October 12th, you’ll construct the house, and in the second session on October 26th, you'll decorate it. Ages 14 and up are welcome.
Cost:
Tri-County Arts Council: Butternut Squash Turkey Carving with Eric Jones
The Tri-County Arts Council is hosting a Butternut Squash Turkey Carving workshop with the renowned artist and TV personality, Eric Jones! Join Eric on November 12th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and learn the intricacies of carving from a master. Ages 12 and up are welcome.
Tri-County Arts Council: Bread Basket Workshop
The Tri-County Arts Council is hosting a Bread Basket Workshop on October 19th from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM.
Tri-County Arts Council: Acrylic Painting Workshop
Tri-County Arts Council will be hosting an Acrylic Painting Workshop on October 5th and 12th from 1:00pm - 3:00pm, Ages 12+.
Immerse yourself in the art of acrylic painting with this beginner-friendly class. You'll paint a picturesque scene featuring boats docked by a lush forest and majestic mountains, all under the expert guidance of Barbara Boser who will lead you through each step of the process.
Cost:
Tri-County Arts Council
Tri County Arts Council Upcoming Art Classes
Creative Clay: Christmas Tree – November 2 & 16, 2023 (Thursday) with Violet Nolder
Cost: $40 Artisan Members & Above $50 Basic/Family Members & Non-Members
Age: 16+
Creative Clay Classes are project specific, beginner hand building classes. We will be making fun coil Christmas tree for you to display during the holiday season.