Bolivar in Allegany County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

This Is Oil Country!

Historic New York

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, September 4, 2015

1. This Is Oil Country! Marker

Inscription. The presence of oil in this area of the Allegheny foothills has been known by white men since 1627, when a French missionary reported that the Indians used "a good kind of oil" for medicinal purposes from the nearby Seneca Oil Spring. Production began in 1879 and reached a peak of more than five million barrels a year by 1885. Then decline began until only 750 thousand were marketed in 1913. After the introduction of the "flooding" technique--forcing the oil up and out of the well by water pressure--production rose steadily.
The oil produced here is only a small share of the total national petroleum product, but it is so superior in lubricant quality that it always brings top prices. Oil and natural gas are still produced but dairying and livestock raising have taken over as the major economic activities.

Erected 1969 by State of New York Education Department, Department of Transportation.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Environment • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Historic New York State series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1627.

Location. 42° 3.916′ N, 78° 10.084′ W. Marker is in Bolivar, New York, in Allegany County. Marker

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is at the intersection of Main Street (New York State Route 417) and Liberty Street, on the right when traveling south on Main Street. Located at the Pioneer Oil Museum of New York. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bolivar NY 14715, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Bolivar Free Library (within shouting distance of this marker); Early Cemetery (approx. 0.7 miles away); Lesuer House (approx. one mile away); One Mile East of this Spot (approx. 1.8 miles away); B.J. Thomas (approx. 6½ miles away); Ceres (approx. 6.9 miles away in Pennsylvania); Ceres School (approx. 7 miles away); Triangle No. 1 (approx. 7½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bolivar.

Also see . . . Pioneer Oil Museum of New York. (Submitted on September 7, 2015, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.)

Photographed By Mike Wintermantel, September 4, 2015

2. This Is Oil Country! Marker

<i>Drilling Rig, Bolivar, N.Y.</i> image. Click for full size.

circa 1930

3. Drilling Rig, Bolivar, N.Y.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 7, 2015, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 443 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 7, 2015, by Mike Wintermantel of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. 3. submitted on September 7, 2015.