The area of present-day Hanover supported a large Native American settlement — concentrated around Cattaraugus, Silver and Walnut creeks — long before the township actually came into existence. The first non-indian settler, Amos Sottle, arrived in 1796. He is recognized as Chautauqua County’s first non-indian resident. The town of Hanover was formed on June 1, 1812, from the town of Pomfret. In 1823, the town of Villenova was formed from a portion of Hanover, and in 1927, portions were annexed by the town of Sheridan. Town growth was rapid from the beginning. Throughout the 1800s, shipping and lumber industries were crucial to the town’s development. In 1864, the grain-cleaning machinery business of S. Howes Co. and later grape farming throughout the area established the town of Hanover as a major municipality in the region. Since its formation, Hanover has remained one of the largest towns in Chautauqua County. The town lays claim to a wide array of historical curiosities including the giant black walnut tree which blew down in 1822, was hollowed out and turned into a store, and the Hanover Elm which bore 33 oil paintings on it. These are recognized as two of the largest and most historical trees in the United States. There is also the Amos Sottle horse-skull fiddle from 1805 and the sackett dulcimers, the Ward and Dickinson dining cars, and the Wight oil paintings.
TOWN OF HANOVER
Karen Bowker, Assessor's Office 934-2552 68 Hanover St., Silver Creek
Linda DeFries, Building Inspector 934-2920 68 Hanover St., Silver Creek
Janine L. Salzman, Clerk 934-2273 8 Academy St., Forestville
Wayne L. Ashley, Council 934-2747 12391 Allegany Rd., Silver Creek
Kenneth Cross 934-4155 Allegany Road, Forestville
Frederick "Fritz" C. Seegert Jr., Council 934-7352 12226 Old Main Rd., Silver Creek
Richard N. Slawson, Deputy Supervisor 965-2286 11120 Bennett State Rd., Forestville
Steve D'Angelo, Highway Superintendent 934-4993 11966 Hanover Rd., Silver Creek
Walter R. Klyczek Jr., Justice 934-4770 68 Hanover St., Silver Creek
John A. Kohler, Justice 934-4770 68 Hanover St., Silver Creek
Katherine Tampio, Supervisor 934-2273 68 Hanover St., Silver Creek
Town Hall 934-2273 68 Hanover St., Silver Creek
Wastewater Treatment 934-2231 Buffalo Rd., Irving
