Site evidence around Cattaraugus, Silver and Walnut Creeks indicates a vast and important native American settlement. As early as the 1680s, the French were walking our land and canoeing the creeks into the interior. Amos Sottle, recognized as Chautauqua County's first non-Indian settler, worked on survey teams with the Holland Land Company and settled at Cattaraugus Creek in 1796. But it wasn't until June 1, 1812, that Hanover became official. From that date, the Town growth was fast and sure. Hanover has always been either the largest or one of the largest towns in the county. The shipping and lumber industries of the early 1800s and later the grain-cleaning machinery business and grape farming helped to ensure continued growth. Historical curiosities abound in Hanover. The Giant Black Walnut Tree of Silver Creek (1822), which was hollowed out and made into a store, and the Famous Hanover Elm, which has 33 oil paintings on it, are two of the greatest and most historical trees in the United States. Add to these the Amos Sottle horse-skull fiddle (1805), the Sackett dulcimers, the Ward and Dickinson dining cars, or the Wight oil paintings, and it's easy to see the fine historical legacy of Hanover's people.