Buffalo in Erie County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

International Crossing

National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom

Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, September 25, 2016

1. International Crossing Marker

Inscription. The Black Rock Ferry was an important crossing to Canada throughout the 19th century until it ceased operations in 1949. The ferry wharf was located on a long, narrow stone pier constructed to protect Black Rock Harbor from the Niagara River.

Originally, the ferry was powered by four men pulling a pair of oars. In 1826, the state legislature required conversion to a horse boat, four hourses turning a wheel which in turn propelled the boat. A steam boat was introduced in 1840.

The stone pier was widened in the 1930s to build Buffalo's sewage treatment plant and the present park.

View across the canal and harbor to the ferry wharf, about 1888. Source: eee. eriecanal.com NPS Multiple Property Doc Form Appendix B, P2.
Background: The ferry wharf and customs house with the Frontier Mills beyond. Huntress (1880, Propeller). Source: C. Patrick Labadie Collection / Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, Alpena, MI.

Erected 2016.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: 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 1949.

Location. 42° 54.911′ N, 78° 54.188′ W. Marker is in Buffalo, New

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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. Industrial Powerhouse (here, next to this marker); Underground Railroad River Crossing (a few steps from this marker); Lillion Batchelor - Champion of WNY History (within shouting distance of 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.

Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, September 25, 2016

2. International Crossing Marker

This is the view, straight ahead, as one crosses the West Ferry Street Bascule Bridge onto Unity Island (nee Squaw Island). Two markers are beyond the flagpoles along the oval walkway. This is the left side marker.

International Crossing Marker - Southward image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Anton Schwarzmueller, September 25, 2016

3. International Crossing Marker - Southward

Niagara River. Peace Bridge in background, leading to Ft. Erie, Canada, at right.

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 323 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 26, 2016, by Anton Schwarzmueller of Wilson, New York.