Cuba, New York: Seneca Oil Spring
The spot where Europeans first noticed oil in North America, now marked with a monument. And a fenced-in area of black bubbling crude.
Oil Spring Indian Reservation
- Address:
- Cuba Lake Rd, Cuba, NY
- Directions:
- SE corner of NY State, Oil Spring Indian Reservation. From I-86, go NW on Hwy 446 to CR 50 (becomes Cuba Lake Rd). After about 3/4 mile, turn right, go to end of road, park, and follow signs to spring site.
- Hours:
- Dusk to Dawn. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
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Visitor Tips and News About Seneca Oil Spring
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If you're brave enough to cross the foot bridge that should probably be condemned you can observe the old brass plaque and fenced in sinkhole that I guess is the oil spring. If you're thinking tar pit like us you will be sorely mistaken.
[Jessica Glover, 12/01/2016]An oily spring discovered here in 1627 was described by the Franciscan Missionary Joseph De La Roche D'Allion, the first recorded mention of oil on the North American Continent.
The New York State Oil Producers Association sponsored a monument at the site in 1927, describing the history of the oil industry in North America. It is within the Oil Spring Indian Reservation.
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