Waterfront in Buffalo in Erie County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Central Wharf

— Historic Transportation —

Photographed by Thomas Johnston

1. Central Wharf Marker

Inscription. Served as commercial center for canal cargo and traders in 1850. William Fargo and Henry Wells began American Express Co. near these docks.

Erected 2025 by William G. Pomeroy Foundation. (Marker Number 51.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Historic Transportation (WGPF) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1850.

Location. 42° 52.588′ N, 78° 52.756′ W. Marker is in Buffalo, New York, in Erie County. It is in Waterfront. It is at the intersection of Prime Street and Lloyd Street, on the right when traveling south on Prime Street. Canalside area, downtown Buffalo, near Lloyd & Prime Streets. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 44 Prime Street, Buffalo NY 14202, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York

and specifically in Western New York.

It is also in the American Northeast

and in the Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western

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World,

and in 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: Prime Slip (within shouting distance of this marker); The Erie Canal / Two Waterfronts (within shouting distance of this marker); "Buffalo" Balloon (within shouting distance of this marker); Rebirth & Renewal (within shouting distance of this marker); Harboring Hopes (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Big Picture (about 300 feet away); The Ruins at Canalside (about 300 feet away); Wedding of the Waters (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Buffalo.

Also see . . . Central Wharf (William G. Pomeroy Foundation). Excerpt:

Serving as a major economic and business hub, the Central Wharf fueled the rise of many business ventures in the city, most notably the American Express Company which formed to extend express lines west of Buffalo. Formed in 1850 by William Fargo and Henry Wells
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through a merger of their preexisting express companies, American Express had its offices on Main Street immediately adjacent to the busy Central Wharf business area.

(Submitted on October 28, 2025.)

Credits. This page was last revised on October 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on October 27, 2025, by Thomas Johnston of Kenmore, New York. This page has been viewed 36 times since then and 12 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on October 27, 2025, by Thomas Johnston of Kenmore, New York. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Wide shot of the marker and its surroundings. • Can you help?