North Tonawanda in Niagara County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

R.R. Signal Tower

Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, February 24, 2024

1. R.R. Signal Tower Marker

Prior to installation.

Inscription. Began operation March 1912. Electrical controls replaced flagmen to improve safety where four railroad tracks crossed roadway here.

Erected 2024 by William G. Pomeroy Foundation & Niagara Frontier Chapter, National Railway Historical Society. (Marker Number 1.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the William G. Pomeroy Foundation series list. A significant historical month for this entry is March 1912.

Location. 43° 1.651′ N, 78° 52.485′ W. Marker is in North Tonawanda, New York, in Niagara County. It is at the intersection of Oliver Street and East Oliver Street, on the left when traveling north on Oliver Street. Marker is behind the tower for southbound travelers. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 152 Oliver Street, North Tonawanda NY 14120, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York,

specifically in Western New York,

and in the Buffalo Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Northeast,

on the Great Lakes,

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France,

the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy,

New Netherland,

and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Railroad Depot (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Allan Herschell Carousel Factory (about 800 feet away); Once Around is Never Enough (approx. 0.2 miles away); Herschell-Spillman Steam Boiler (approx. 0.2 miles away); Theodore Roosevelt (approx. 0.2 miles away); North Tonawanda

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); Proud Tribute is Here Paid (approx. ¼ mile away); First Schoolhouse (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in North Tonawanda.

Regarding R.R. Signal Tower. The tower was built by the Erie Railroad, designated E-2. When the Erie and Lackawanna Railroads merged, it became EL-2. It became the property of Consolidated Rail - Conrail - the corporation created by Congress to incorporate bankrupt or nearly bankrupt northeastern railroads. Conrail eventually divested the tower. It was titled to the the Niagara Frontier Chapter by a private owner. The Chapter repaired, restored, and replaced the tower windows, the roof, painted, repaired mortar, cleaned, and secured the tower. The tower is empty.

Additional keywords. Railroad Switch and Signal Tower