City history
Discover the history of Buffalo, New York, from its Seneca roots and Erie Canal origins to its evolution as a major American industrial and transit hub.
Chapter one
Earliest documented name
"Land of the Seneca"
Before European settlement, the region was part of the ancestral lands of the Seneca Nation, members of the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, who lived in the area long before the city was formally established.
Named for the bison
Settlers chose the name Buffalo due to the historical abundance of bison in the surrounding region, which were a significant presence before the area's rapid urban development.
Chapter two
Following the widespread adoption of standard time by railroad companies, Buffalo aligned its local time with the Eastern Time zone to facilitate scheduled transit and commerce.
Buffalo began observing daylight saving time as part of the national effort to conserve energy during the First World War, a practice that continues in modern iterations.
Chapter three
The opening of the Erie Canal transformed Buffalo into a premier port, synchronizing the city with the movement of goods and the schedules of maritime and land transport.
The exposition brought international attention to Buffalo, showcasing technological advancements and modernizing the city's infrastructure during the turn of the century.
Buffalo transitioned from a heavy industrial manufacturing center to a diverse service and healthcare-driven economy, marking a significant shift in the city's temporal and social rhythm.