Waterfront in Buffalo in Erie County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Immigrant Steps
Building Buffalo
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, October 6, 2019
1. The Immigrant Steps Marker
Great waves of 19th Century immigration flowed through East Coast ports to Buffalo. Thousands traveled by water vessels, while others took wagons from New England and Pennsylvania to ships headed west. Many immigrants stayed to build Buffalo.
The region’s first non-native settlers were traders of European and African origins in the 1790’s. In 1825, the opening of the Erie Canal brought a flood of European immigration that started with Irish and Germans, followed by Poles and Italians.
On just one day in 1839, 5,000 immigrants set sail from Buffalo to the west. In 1859, departures numbered a quarter of a million people.
The immigrant Steps transported immigrant families from canal boats to booming city streets, they were often entertained by hired brass bands. Immigration helped to build not only Buffalo but Detroit, Chicago, and many other cities.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the Erie Canal series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1790.
Location. 42° 52.714′ N, 78° 52.676′ W. Marker is in Buffalo, New York, in Erie County. It is in Waterfront. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Commercial Street and Perry
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Buffalo's Birthplace (here, next to this marker); Shark Girl (here, next to this marker); America's Crossroads: The Spaulding Exchange (here, next to this marker); Canal and Harbor (within shouting distance of this marker); Buffalo Riverfront Historical Eras to 1930 (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor (about 400 feet away); The Grand Canal (about 400 feet away); Buffalo - Queen City of the Lakes (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Buffalo.
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, October 6, 2019
2. The Immigrant Steps Marker
The marker is on the rectangular cement post at left. The other markers are Buffalo's Birthplace and Shark Girl.
Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, October 6, 2019
3. The Immigrant Steps Marker
The marker behind and to the right is America's Crossroads: The Spaulding Exchange.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on October 6, 2019, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 354 times since then and 58 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 6, 2019, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.
