Member-only story

City on the Edge: Buffalo, New York 1900-Present

Richard Adams

·12.1k Followers· Follow

Published in City On The Edge: Buffalo New York 1900 Present

5 min read

560 View Claps

58 Respond

Save

Listen

Buffalo, New York has a long and storied history. From its humble beginnings as a trading post in the early 19th century, Buffalo grew into a major industrial center by the end of the century. In the 20th century, the city faced a number of challenges, but it has managed to reinvent itself as a center for culture, education, and healthcare. Today, Buffalo is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich history and a bright future.

City on the Edge: Buffalo, New York, 1900 - present

by Mark Goldman

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3808 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	413 pages

Early History

The area that is now Buffalo was first inhabited by Native Americans. The Seneca people of the Iroquois Confederacy were the first to settle in the area, and they called it "Tehoseroron," which means "the place of the basswoods." In 1792, the Holland Land Company purchased the land from the Seneca, and in 1808, the village of New Amsterdam was founded on the site of present-day Buffalo.

The War of 1812 had a major impact on Buffalo. The British burned the village in 1813, but it was quickly rebuilt and renamed Buffalo in 1816. The Erie Canal, which opened in 1825, connected Buffalo to the Great Lakes and helped to make it a major transportation hub.

Industrial Growth

In the second half of the 19th century, Buffalo experienced a period of rapid industrial growth. The city became a major center for the production of iron, steel, and grain. By the end of the century, Buffalo was one of the largest industrial cities in the United States.

The industrial growth of Buffalo was fueled by the city's location on the Niagara River. The river provided a source of cheap hydroelectric power, and it also made it easy to transport goods to and from the city.

The 20th Century

The 20th century was a time of both challenges and growth for Buffalo. The city's industrial base declined in the mid-20th century, and it faced a number of economic problems. However, Buffalo also experienced a period of cultural growth in the 20th century. The city's museums, theaters, and universities helped to make it a center for culture and education.

In the late 20th century, Buffalo began to reinvent itself as a center for healthcare. The city is now home to a number of major hospitals and medical research institutions.

Today

Today, Buffalo is a vibrant and diverse city with a rich history and a bright future. The city is home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Shea's Performing Arts Center. Buffalo is also a major center for education, with a number of universities and colleges located in the city.

Buffalo is a city that has faced challenges, but it has always managed to overcome them. The city's resilience is a testament to the spirit of its people. Buffalo is a city on the edge, but it is also a city of hope and opportunity.

Resources

* Buffalo History Museum * Buffalo Architecture and History * Buffalo Stories * University at Buffalo * University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences

City on the Edge: Buffalo, New York, 1900 - present

by Mark Goldman

4.6 out of 5