Seneca Oil Spring formed the first chapter in the development of the petroleum industry in America, a gigantic world enterprise transforming modern life. In 1627, oil on the American continent was first recorded in this region by the Franciscan Friar Joseph de La Roche D'Allion. In 1656, the spring was mentioned by the Jesuit Father Paul le Jeune. Before 1721, the spring was visited by Joncaire the Elder. In 1767, oil from this spring was sent to Sir William Johnson as a cure for his wounds. In 1797, the spring was permanently reserved by Indians in the Treaty of Big Tree. In 1833, Professor Benjamin Silliman of Yale Univerity described the spring.