Oil Springs Indian Reservation

The Cuba oil spring is the place where Europeans first sited oil on the North American Continent

Oil Springs Reservation is situated on the boundary between Cattaraugus and Allegany counties near Cuba, NY. It was originally surveyed to comprise a mile square around the famous oil springs the Seneca used to cure illness. No Seneca live at Oil Springs at present, the entire area being leased to non-Indians.  In 1990 the Federal Census showed the population as 2 !!  However, in the 2000 Census the population had grown to 11.

The spring is located near the spillway end of Cuba Lake on the Oil Spring Indian Reservation. This is the site of the famed spring described by the Franciscan Missionary Joseph DeLa Roch D'Allion in 1627, the first recorded mention of oil on the North American Continent. In 1927, the New York State Oil Producers Association sponsored the dedication of a monument at the site describing the history of the oil industry in North America. 

In recent years, Allegany County has discussed at Legislature Level a proposal to elevate the upkeep of the grounds, but, to date has spent “minimum funds” on the driveway & parking area for visitors.