Waterfront in Buffalo in Erie County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Birthplace of the Grain Elevator
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, July 4, 2014
1. Birthplace of the Grain Elevator Marker
In 1842, the world's first steam powered elevator to transfer and store grain opened on this site. Buffalo merchant, Joseph Dart, and machinist, Robert Dunbar, built the elevator following precedents set by Oliver Evans. Its basic principles are still used in elevators along Buffalo's waterfront.
Erected 1990 by The Industrial Heritage Committee, Inc. Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1842.
Location. Marker is missing. It was located near 42° 52.716′ N, 78° 52.972′ W. Marker was in Buffalo, New York, in Erie County. It was in Waterfront. Marker was on Erie Street west of Marine Drive, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Buffalo NY 14202, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. The Industrial Heritage Trail (a few steps from this marker); Western New York Vietnam Veterans Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); This Purple Heart Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); This Memorial is Dedicated to All of the Service Members from WNY
this page online
Also see . . . Grain Elevator. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on July 18, 2014, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland.)
Additional commentary.
1. Marker missing and then found in the Erie Basin Marina.
After going missing around June 12th, this marker was found, about two weeks later in the water nearby. Police suspect whoever took it may have dumped it in the water when they realized how heavy it was.
— Submitted July 13, 2017, by Mark Hilton of Montgomery, Alabama.
Additional keywords. Grain silos, bins; Niagara River; "Silo City"
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, July 4, 2014
2. "Birthplace of the Grain Elevator" Marker
on the river walk looking westward toward the museum ships of the Buffalo, Erie County Military & Naval Park to the left.
Photographed By Julie Montgomery, June 12, 2020
3. Missing Birthplace of the Grain Elevator Marker
View looking south, towards Buffalo Skyway, and the Connecting Terminal Grain Elevator
Photographed By Julie Montgomery, June 12, 2020
4. Missing Birthplace of the Grain Elevator Marker
View looking west, with the Buffalo Lighthouse in the background.
via Fast Company, unknown
5. Can These Eerie, Abandoned Grain Silos Help Save Buffalo?
Fast Company website entry
Click for more information.
Click for more information.
Photographed By Richard E. Miller, July 4, 2014
6. Rotary Club of Buffalo Centenniel Flagpole (2011)
near the "Birthplace of the Grain Elevator" at the intersection of Erie Street and Marine Drive, southeast corner.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 18, 2014, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. This page has been viewed 719 times since then and 60 times this year. Last updated on June 14, 2020, by Julie Montgomery of Buffalo, New York. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 18, 2014, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. 3, 4. submitted on June 14, 2020, by Julie Montgomery of Buffalo, New York. 5. submitted on February 8, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York. 6. submitted on July 18, 2014, by Richard E. Miller of Oxon Hill, Maryland. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
