Welcome to Tonawanda Gateway Harbor - where the Niagara River meets the Erie Canal. Prior to the 1800's this area was a wilderness frequently traversed by Seneca Indians from the Iroquois Confederacy. The first known white settlers were Henry . . . — — Map (db m87802) HM
Dedicated to the memory of those who made the greatest sacrifice in Vietnam Burton W. Dalke, James P. Saurini Ronald F. Sadler, Mark E. Vanderheld — — Map (db m87891) WM
You are standing on the bed of the Erie Canal, a 363 mile long, 40 ft. wide, 7 ft. deep "ditich" built from 1817 to 1825 that connected Lake Erie waters with the Hudson River and ultimately the Atlantic Ocean. It unleashed a flood of products, . . . — — Map (db m98540) HM
To avoid the strong current of the mighty Niagara River, the Erie Canal was built adjacent to the river from here to Buffalo in 1825. — — Map (db m78352) HM
In 1884, the Tonawanda Gas Light Company was incorporated to supply gas to both Tonawanda and North Tonawanda for street and house lighting. The "gas works" was located on property once owned by Mary Long. Between the Canandaigua and Erie . . . — — Map (db m166212) HM
During the 1800s, many Americans and newly arrived immigrants were eager to move west, but this undertaking proved difficult because of the Appalachian Mountains. A natural barrier running from Alabama through Pennsylvania, New York and on into . . . — — Map (db m77385) HM
You are standing at the site of Tonawanda's Grand Island Ferry Landing. For nearly a century access to Grand Island was provided by ferry service. The Grand Island Ferry consisted of a tug and scow carrying horses, wagons, automobiles, buses, . . . — — Map (db m98519) HM
Three Centuries of Commerce The first great ship to pass by this spot was the Griffin built by Robert de La Salle in 1679 near Cayuga Island just around the bend behind Grand Island. She sailed up the Niagara River past this point . . . — — Map (db m98517) HM
Thanks to the Erie Canal, the Niagara River, a naturally commodious harbor and a growing railroad center, the Tonawandas became a thriving lumber port during the last half of the nineteenth century. Lumber from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and . . . — — Map (db m166243) HM
In 1847 George Zent opened the first Brewery in Tonawanda at Hinds and Niagara Streets directly ahead of you on top of the embankment. Lured by the unlimited supply of fresh water from from the Niagara River, economical shipping via the Erie Canal . . . — — Map (db m98554) HM
An Overview
In the spring of 1823, work on the Erie Canal at this end of the state began with the building of a dam. Its purpose was to raise the water level of Tonawanda Creek 4 to 4 1/2 feet so that its ten-mile stretch between Pendleton . . . — — Map (db m77499) HM
In December of 1828, Benjamin and Mary Hershe Long arrived here from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in a covered wagon drawn by oxen. With them were their five daughters, ranging in age from 6 months to 16 years.
Their home, built the following . . . — — Map (db m77330) HM
Life on the Canal Boat The average canal boat owner was a family man, and often his family traveled the canal with him. Living quarters were the cabin under the stern deck and in the small space a woman did her washing and ironing in addition to . . . — — Map (db m87777) HM
Rise of the Railroad
On August 26, 1836, the first steam locomotive in Western New York made its maiden run between Black Rock and Tonawanda at a speed of 15 - 20 miles an hour. By the 5th of November that same year, regular trips were made . . . — — Map (db m77302) HM
[center stone] In honored memory of all natives of the city of Tonawanda who have given their lives in the service of their country. A grateful community solemnly promises that the sacrifices of all veterans were not made in vain and that they . . . — — Map (db m87894) WM
United States Army United States Navy United States Air Force United States Marines United States Coast Guard 1790 Merchant Marines — — Map (db m98559) WM
The westernmost leg of the Erie Canal completed in 1825 followed a route paralleling the Niagara River between Tonawanda and Buffalo. From where you are standing, the Canal travelled some ten miles through the mostly unsettled Township of Tonawanda . . . — — Map (db m98556) HM
Organized by settlers from the Mohawk Valley in 1830. First services held in Dirnberger farm barn, Military Road, later in school house No. 4, Delaware Road. Oldest church society in town of Tonawanda. — — Map (db m97911) HM
Louis P.A. Eberhardt Home Kenmore's founder, Louis Phillip Adolph Eberhardt built this home in 1893-94 and occupied it until 1918 when it was acquired by the YWCA. This brownstone home and its twin, built by LPA's brother Fred, cost $150,000 . . . — — Map (db m97913) HM
This is one of the early cemeteries in the Town of Tonawanda. Donated by Jeremiah and David Failing, it is now known as the Failing Cemetery. — — Map (db m92761) HM
Sheridan Drive constructed for a greater Niagara Frontier 1923-1925. Dedicated to improved highways transportation. Town Board. J. Fred Moore, Supervisor. Elmer W. Johnson, Town Clerk. Samuel Seitz, Justice. Edward A. Jones, Justice. Robert M. . . . — — Map (db m73688) HM
Tonawanda Rails to Trails This 3.9 mile trail is composed of two segments on top of a former railroad bed in the Town of Tonawanda and the City of Tonawanda. The railroad corridor was operated for both freight and for passenger service dating back . . . — — Map (db m97929) HM
This memorial is dedicated to all who have served honorably in the armed forces of The United States of America. May their service never be forgotten. — — Map (db m84455) WM
