Cattaraugus County, New York is located in the westernmost part of the state and covers an area of 1,358 square miles. The county is bordered by Pennsylvania to the south, Cattaraugus Creek to the west, Lake Erie to the northwest, and Chautauqua County to the east.
The geography of Cattaraugus County is largely rural and mountainous with rolling hills and deep valleys. The highest point in the county is located on Red House Hill at 2,250 feet above sea level. In addition to its hills and valleys, Cattaraugus County also has a number of rivers and streams that flow through it such as Cattaraugus Creek which forms its western border.
The landscape is mostly comprised of forests with large tracts of maple-beech-hemlock stands as well as some hardwood forests. The county also has several wetland areas such as marshes, swamps, bogs, fens and ponds that provide a home for a wide variety of wildlife species such as beavers, muskrats, mink and otters.
In addition to its natural beauty, Cattaraugus County also boasts numerous recreational sites including Allegany State Park which is one of New York’s largest state parks with over 65 000 acres of land. The park offers numerous activities for visitors such as camping, hiking trails that pass through lush forests and stunning views from its summits. There are also several golf courses in the area for those looking for a relaxing day on the links.
Overall, Cattaraugus County is a beautiful area filled with diverse landscapes ranging from mountains to wetlands that provide plenty of recreational opportunities for visitors throughout all four seasons.
Country seat and other main cities of Cattaraugus County, New York
The county seat of Cattaraugus County, New York is the city of Little Valley. It is situated in the southeastern corner of the county and has a population of around 1,500 people. Little Valley is home to the Cattaraugus County Courthouse and several other government buildings. The city has several parks, a public library, and a variety of small businesses.
According to COUNTRYAAH, other main cities in Cattaraugus County include Olean and Salamanca. Olean is located in the western part of the county on the border with Pennsylvania and has a population of around 14,000 people. The city boasts numerous recreational sites such as Bradner Stadium which hosts minor league baseball games and Allegany State Park which offers camping, hiking trails, and stunning views from its summits.
Salamanca is situated in the southern part of Cattaraugus County on the border with Pennsylvania and has a population of around 5,000 people. The city was founded in 1852 by Seneca Indian Chief John O’Bail who named it after his daughter Salamanca. Today, Salamanca is known for its historic downtown district which features numerous 19th-century buildings along with many shops and restaurants.
Cattaraugus County also includes several townships such as Franklinville, Hinsdale, Perrysburg, Randolph, Yorkshire and others that offer visitors plenty to do including golf courses, parks for outdoor activities like camping or fishing as well as museums dedicated to local history or art galleries featuring works by local artists.
Overall, Cattaraugus County has something for everyone with its diverse geography ranging from mountains to wetlands combined with its vibrant cities offering plenty of recreational activities throughout all four seasons.
History of Cattaraugus County, New York
Cattaraugus County, New York was first settled by Native Americans in the 17th century. The Seneca Nation of Indians were the first inhabitants of the area and they established many villages in what is now Cattaraugus County. The Senecas were eventually displaced during the American Revolution when British soldiers destroyed their villages.
The area that is now Cattaraugus County was part of Genesee County until 1808 when it became its own county. It was named after the Cattaraugus Creek which runs through it and was formed from parts of Allegany and Niagara counties.
In 1821, Little Valley became the county seat of Cattaraugus County and several other townships were established including Franklinville, Hinsdale, Perrysburg, Randolph, Yorkshire and others. These townships provided a variety of services to their citizens including schools, churches, libraries and post offices as well as roads for transportation.
During the 19th century, Cattaraugus County experienced a period of growth with various industries such as lumbering and tanneries being established in many townships. At this time, several cities such as Olean and Salamanca began to develop along with numerous small towns throughout Cattaraugus County.
Today, Cattaraugus County is home to a diverse population with many recreational opportunities available throughout all four seasons including golf courses, parks for outdoor activities like camping or fishing as well as museums dedicated to local history or art galleries featuring works by local artists.
Economy of Cattaraugus County, New York
Cattaraugus County, New York is a rural county with a diverse economy. The county’s economy is driven by agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, and recreation. Agriculture has been a major part of the economy since the county was first settled in the 18th century. Today, there are still many farms in Cattaraugus County which produce various crops such as corn, apples, potatoes, and hay.
Manufacturing is another important sector of the Cattaraugus County economy. The county is home to many factories that produce products ranging from furniture to auto parts to paper products. In addition to these factories, there are also smaller businesses that provide goods and services to the local community such as restaurants and retail stores.
Tourism and recreation also play an important role in the Cattaraugus County economy. The county is home to numerous state parks and forests as well as ski resorts which attract visitors from all over the world every year. There are also many recreational activities available throughout all four seasons including golf courses, parks for outdoor activities like camping or fishing as well as museums dedicated to local history or art galleries featuring works by local artists.
Overall, Cattaraugus County has a strong economy that provides residents with job opportunities in various industries while also offering visitors plenty of recreational activities throughout all four seasons.