First Ward in Buffalo in Erie County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Buffalo Water Intake, Horseshoe Reef Light
Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, June 3, 2015
1. Buffalo Water Intake, Horseshoe Reef Light Marker
The Horseshoe Reef Light, the dark metal structure atop a concrete base, was established in 1856 after Canada and England transferred an acre of territory in Canadian waters to the United States. The lighthouse actually stands on Middle Reef, more centrally located than Horseshoe Reef; the international boundary was moved by a 1908 treaty to put the lighthouse in American waters.
Two keepers alternated on duty at the lighthouse, which was considered one of the loneliest stations in the district, despite the nearness of a major city. The Buffalo crib intake, the round red-roofed structure, was built in the Emerald Channel nearby and its light established in 1908, and Horseshoe Reef Light was abandoned in 1920.
Erected by Buffalo Lighthouse Association.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Lighthouses series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1856.
Location. 42° 52.666′ N, 78° 53.385′ W. Marker is in Buffalo, New York, in Erie County. It is in the First Ward. It can be reached from Fuhrmann Boulevard 1.3 miles
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York and specifically in Western New York. 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: Buffalo Main & Harbor Lights (a few steps from this marker); Buffalo Harbor (a few steps from this marker); Buffalo Lightship (a few steps from this marker); The 1833 Buffalo Lighthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); International Shipmasters' Association (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Penobscot-Morania Collision (about 500 feet away); The Lifeboat Station (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Coast Guard (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Buffalo.
Also see . . . Horseshoe Reef - Lighthouse Friends. (Submitted on July 9, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.)
Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, June 3, 2015
2. Buffalo Water Intake, Horseshoe Reef Light & Marker
In the distance, the water intake is at center. The Horseshoe Reef Light seems to be too far for my camera.
Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, June 3, 2015
3. Northward
The Buffalo River entrance from Lake Erie is at right, as is Buffalo City Hall, which is the skyscraper at the right edge of this view.
Photographed by Anton Schwarzmueller, June 3, 2015
4. Buffalo Water Intake
Zoomed view.
Photographed by Stephen Abbey, August 24, 2014
5. Buffalo (NY) Water Intake, Niagara River
Credits. This page was last revised on November 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 9, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 1,574 times since then and 74 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 9, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. 5. submitted on November 7, 2025, by Stephen Abbey of Williamsville, New York.
