National Register Listing

Cattaraugus Village Commercial Historic District

9-52 Main, 1-17 Washington, 14 Waverly Sts., Cattaraugus, NY
Local significance of the district:
Commerce; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2014.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

The Adirondack Park, which covers more than six million acres in upstate New York, is the largest park in the contiguous United States. It was established in 1892 and contains more than 2,000 miles of hiking trails.
New York random facts
Cattaraugus County, located in western New York, has a rich history dating back to its Native American roots. Prior to European settlement, the land was inhabited by the Seneca Nation of the Iroquois Confederacy. They cultivated the fertile land and established various settlements, including the village of Cattaraugus, from which the county derived its name.

European settlers arrived in the late 18th century, and conflicts with the Native American tribes, particularly during the American Revolution, shaped the early history of the county. The Sullivan Expedition of 1779, led by General John Sullivan, resulted in the destruction of several Native American communities, including those in Cattaraugus County. After the Revolutionary War, the land was opened for settlement, attracting pioneers from New England and Pennsylvania.

In 1808, Cattaraugus County was officially founded and organized. The county's economy initially relied on agriculture, with numerous farms and small businesses emerging. By the mid-19th century, sawmills and tanneries became prominent industries due to the region's abundant timber resources.

The Erie Railroad's arrival in the mid-1800s brought further development, connecting the county to larger markets and stimulating economic growth. Cattaraugus County also played a role in the Underground Railroad, providing a route to freedom for enslaved individuals seeking refuge. Today, the county is known for its diverse landscape, historical landmarks, and being home to the Seneca Nation's Allegany Reservation.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Cattaraugus County, New York.

  • 1808: Cattaraugus County is established as a county in the state of New York.
  • 1812: The first county courthouse is built in Ellicottville.
  • 1817: The Seneca Nation cedes a large portion of their land to the State of New York.
  • 1831: The town of Olean is incorporated.
  • 1836: The Allegany Indian Reservation is established.
  • 1851: The Buffalo and New York City Railroad is completed, connecting the county to major cities.
  • 1867: The village of Salamanca is incorporated.
  • 1880: The oil boom begins in the county, leading to economic growth.
  • 1908: The Kinzua Dam is completed on the Allegheny River.
  • 1954: The Seneca Allegany Casino opens, becoming a major attraction.
  • 1988: The Ohi:yo' Spa at the Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino opens.