Buffalo in Erie County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Industrial Powerhouse
National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom
Upper Black Rock, in the vicinity of the ferry, was slowly absorbed into the expanding west side of Buffalo. Lower Black Rock, at the northern end of the harbor, benefitted from enhanced water power provided by the canal lock and became the second most heavily industrialized section of the city by the middle of the 19th century.
Industrial expansion and associated canal improvements continued into the early 20th century.
Black Rock Hoarbor in 1914 looking south toward the ferry wharf and surrounding industrial growth in the far distance. Squaw Island is on the right. Source'; Buffalo History Museum.
New draw bridge at Ferry Street-still existing today-across the enlarged and improved canal soon after construction about 1914. Source: www.eriecanal.com .
Deatil of 1902 bird's eye sketch of Buffalo showing Black Rock Harbor, the ferry wharf, and surrounding urban development. Source www.buffalohistory.com .
Erected 2016.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Waterways & Vessels. In addition, it is included in the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1914.
Location. 42° 54.913′ N, 78° 54.189′ W. Marker is in Buffalo, New York, in Erie County. Marker is at the intersection of Robert Rich Way and West Ferry Bascule Bridge when traveling west on Robert Rich Way. Marker is in Broderick Park on Unity Island (nee Squaw Island), straight ahead and beyond the flagpoles as one crosses onto the island on the West Ferry Bascule Bridge. Access is from Niagara Street (NY route 266) at West Ferry Street/Robert Rich Way. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Buffalo NY 14213, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. International Crossing (here, next to this marker); Lillion Batchelor - Champion of WNY History (a few steps from this marker); Underground Railroad River Crossing (a few steps from this marker); West Ferry Street Bascule Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Black Rock Harbor / From Plantation to Promised Land (within shouting distance of this marker); Broderick Park / Distinctive River Ecosystems (within shouting distance of this marker); Harrowing Journey (within shouting distance of this marker); Nowak Pier (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Buffalo.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 26, 2016. It was originally submitted on September 26, 2016, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York. This page has been viewed 306 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 26, 2016, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.