CATTARAUGUS COUNTY, NY HISTORY AND LOOKUP

County History Books

History of the Genesee Country (Western New York) Comprising the Counties of Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Ontario, Orleans, Schuyler, Steuben, Wayne, Wyoming and Yates by Lockwood R. Doty (1925) – 662 Pages
Source: Internet Archive
Book ID: CH.2025.09.17.1916.AR

Cattaraugus County, New York: A Genealogical Overview

Located in the southwestern part of New York State, Cattaraugus County is known for its forested hills, the Allegheny River, and for containing the Allegany Indian Reservation, the largest in the state. Its history is deeply connected to the Seneca Nation, the lumber industry, railroads, and agriculture. Genealogists researching this area will encounter records reflecting pioneer settlement, the oil industry, and a significant Native American presence.

I. County Formation and Evolution

Cattaraugus was formed as part of the westward expansion across New York.

  • 1808: County Formed: Cattaraugus County was established on March 11, 1808.
  • Parent Entity: It was formed from Genesee County.
  • Subsequent Formations: Part of its territory contributed to the formation of Wyoming County in 1841.
  • Name Origin: Named for Cattaraugus Creek. The name is believed to be derived from a Seneca word meaning “bad-smelling banks,” possibly referring to natural gas seeps.
  • County Seat History: The first county seat was Ellicottville. It was moved to Little Valley in 1868.

II. Settlement and Early History

  • Early Inhabitants: This is the traditional territory of the Seneca Nation of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy. A large portion of the county remains part of the Allegany Indian Reservation, home to the Seneca Nation of Indians.
  • Holland Land Purchase: The county was part of the Holland Land Purchase, which opened it to white settlement after 1800. Early settlers were primarily from New England and eastern New York.
  • Key Historical Events:
    • Lumber Industry: The county’s vast forests of white pine and hemlock fueled a major lumber boom in the 19th century.
    • Railroads: The arrival of the Erie Railroad and other lines was crucial for transporting lumber, agricultural products, and oil.
    • Oil and Gas: While not as large as in neighboring Allegany County, an oil boom occurred in the late 19th century, particularly around Olean and Allegany.
    • Kinzua Dam: The construction of the Kinzua Dam in Pennsylvania in the 1960s resulted in the flooding of significant Seneca lands within the Allegany Reservation in Cattaraugus County, a major and controversial event in Seneca history.

III. Genealogical Records and Resources

  • County Courthouse: The Cattaraugus County Clerk’s Office is located in Little Valley, NY.
  • Vital Records:
    • Birth, Marriage, and Death Records: Statewide registration began in 1880. Researchers should also check with town and city clerks (e.g., Olean).
  • Essential Records and Archives:
    • Cattaraugus County Historian and County Museum: Located in Machias, this is a key resource for historical records and genealogical queries.
    • Seneca-Iroquois National Museum: Located in Salamanca, it is an essential resource for those researching Seneca ancestry and history.
  • Libraries and Societies:
    • Local libraries, such as the Olean Public Library, often have local history collections.
    • Cattaraugus County Genealogical Society: Provides resources and support for local researchers.
  • Bordering Jurisdictions:
    • Chautauqua County (west)
    • Erie County (northwest)
    • Wyoming County (northeast)
    • Allegany County (east)
    • McKean County, Pennsylvania (south)
    • Warren County, Pennsylvania (southwest)

Please share any resources you have and will do lookups or links to resources you are aware of. Thanks