South Park in Buffalo in Erie County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Lehigh Portland Cement Company
The Industrial Heritage Trail
During World War II, cement production at the plant was reduced sharply, as the plant produced large quantities of lime in support of the U.S. Government's war efforts. After the war, cement production increased, with the plant employing over 150 workers on six-days-a-week overtime schedules. To keep up with demand, the company constructed 24 additional cement storage silos in 1956. These new silos were capable of holding 360,000 barrels of cement, and allowed for faster loading onto railroad cars and trucks.
In 1970, a weakened economy combined with high material and labor costs forced the plant to close. The production plant has since been demolished, and the remaining silos are used solely for storage and distribution.
View of the Lehigh Portland Cement Company, 1958. The production plant is on the right. The Hanna Furnce Company and Union Ship Canal can be seen in the background.
The Lehigh Portland Cement Company, circa 1958. The newly constructed silos are on the right.
Erected by The Industrial Heritage Committee, Inc.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1925.
Location. 42° 50.044′ N, 78° 51.284′ W. Marker is in Buffalo, New York, in Erie County. It is in South Park. Marker is on Fuhrmann Boulevard, ¼ mile south of Ohio Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Buffalo NY 14203, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Union Ship Canal (here, next to this marker); Bethlehem Steel in Lackawanna (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Bethlehem Steel in Lackawanna (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Bethlehem Steel in Lackawanna (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Bethlehem Steel in Lackawanna (here, next to this marker); Improvements in Ship Design (here, next to this marker); Early Lake Erie Water Craft (here, next to this marker); The Great Lakes (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Buffalo.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 16, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 25, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 488 times since then and 40 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 25, 2015, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.