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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

Home of the well-known pizza!
Community College that offers meeting rooms.
Rafi's Food Hub, "The Original Rafi's," opened in Olean in summer 2019!
Pizzeria and grille in Olean, NY.
Come visit this beautiful home and converted carriage house.
A sub shop located in Olean, NY.

Rated the best Chinese Restaurant in Olean! Dine in or take out.

Bar and restaurant outside of Olean.
A large park in Olean, NY with access to the Allegheny River Valley Trail
Fresh Produce and more!
Restaurant located in the historic Olean Public Library Building.
Bar and restaurant with a full menu for the whole family!
Bike shop in Olean's and the only bicycle repair shop.
Mexican restaurant
A quality hotel offering comfortable, discount hotel accommodations in New York's Southern Tier area.
Need somewhere for your wedding or event?
Sushi and hibachi steak house in Olean, a local favorite!
Restaurant with lunch & dinner specials daily! Open mic nights, and live entertainment.
Have a taste of a delicious local favorite!
A majestic geological spectacle of enormous rock formations and is often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World.
A small park in downtown Olean, NY.
A beautiful trail that gives people a place to walk, jog or ride a bicycle.
Come check out their great subs!
Seasonal roadside stand with ice cream and a food menu.

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.

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. 

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: 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: 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: 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: