Nestled in the Catskill Mountains of New York State is 40,000 acres named the Town of Olive. In 1824, the theory has it that it was so named from the biblical story of the dove returning to Noah's ark with an Olive branch.

The Ashokan Reservoir geographically divides Olivenorth and south. The hamlets around the shoreline are Boiceville, Olivebridge, Samsonville, Krumville, Shokan, West Shokan, and Ashokan.

The passing of the Water Act of 1905 led to the building of the handmade Ashokan Dam on the Esopus Creek and upon its completion in 1916 created the Ashokan Reservoir, the main water supply for the City of New York-Olives largest landowner.

The demand for pure, clean drinking water for New York City inhabitants changed the course of history for the Town of Olive and still has an impact on everyday life. The Town center and the majority of the Towns residents were forced from the rich Esopus Valley and relocated to the nearby foothills.