kids encyclopedia robot

Cattaraugus Reservation facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts
Quick facts for kids
Cattaraugus Reservation
Location of Cattaraugus Reservation
Location of Cattaraugus Reservation
Country United States
State New York
Counties Erie, Chautauqua, and Cattaraugus
Population
 (2010)
 • Total 693
Time zone UTC-5 (EST)
 • Summer (DST) UTC-4 (EDT)
Area code(s) 716
Website Seneca Nation of Indians

The Cattaraugus Reservation is a special area of land. It belongs to the Seneca Nation of Indians. This nation is a group of Native American people. They are officially recognized by the United States government. The Seneca Nation was once part of a larger group. This group was called the Iroquois Confederacy.

The reservation is located in New York. In the year 2000, about 2,412 people lived there. The total size of the reservation is about 34.4 square miles (89.1 square kilometers). That's a pretty big area!

The reservation stretches from Lake Erie. It goes inland along Cattaraugus Creek. It follows both sides of NY 438. For counting people, the reservation is split into three parts. These parts are in different counties:

Map of the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation, New York. LOC 81692883
A map showing the Cattaraugus Indian Reservation from 1880.

Where is the Cattaraugus Reservation?

The Cattaraugus Reservation is in western New York. It's a rural area. This means it has lots of open spaces and nature.

Nearby Towns and Counties

The reservation borders several towns. In Erie County, it touches Brant, North Collins, and Collins. In Cattaraugus County, it borders Perrysburg. In Chautauqua County, it's next to Hanover.

Close to the village of Gowanda, the reservation almost touches the town of Persia. This shows how the reservation is connected to the surrounding areas.

What Can You Find on the Reservation?

The reservation has a mix of homes and businesses. Most homes are single-family houses. They are often found along Route 438.

DSCN4477 cattaraugusreservationsign e
A sign in the Seneca language outside a learning center on the Cattaraugus Reservation.

Businesses and Activities

There are some businesses owned by the Seneca people. You can find them where US 20 and NY 5 cross the reservation. These businesses include a Bingo Hall. It also has a Poker Room. You might see video slot machines there too.

Interstate 90 also goes through the reservation. The closest exit from this highway is in Irving, New York.

Community Areas

The reservation is divided into several smaller communities. Some of these are Newtown, Bucktown, Pinewoods, Eleven Acres, Ozarks, and Indian Hill.

At the center of the reservation, along Route 438, you'll find important buildings. These include the main offices for the Seneca Nation government. There's also a Head Start/Daycare Center for young children. Community buildings are there for gatherings. The volunteer fire department is also located in this central area.

kids search engine
Cattaraugus Reservation Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.