Black Rock, Buffalo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Black Rock
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Neighborhood
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Left to right from top: Market Square Historic District, neighborhood sign, 31 Tonawanda Street
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  New York |
| City |  Buffalo |
| Incorporated (Town) | 1839 |
| Annexed (Buffalo) | 1853 |
Black Rock is a neighborhood in the city of Buffalo, New York. It is located in the northwest part of the city. Black Rock was once an independent town. In the 1820s, it competed with Buffalo. Both wanted to be the end point of the important Erie Canal. Buffalo won because it had a bigger harbor. It was also further from Canada, which had recently been an enemy during the War of 1812. Black Rock got its name from a large black rock. This rock was made of limestone and was along the Niagara River. It was blasted away in the 1820s to make room for the canal.
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History of Black Rock
The first known European settlement in Black Rock began around 1795. This is when the Black Rock Ferry started. The ferry crossed the Niagara River to Fort Erie, Canada. Ferry service continued until May 1951.
Early Challenges and Growth
Black Rock faced some tough times. It lost the Erie Canal competition to Buffalo. The British also burned it down twice during the War of 1812. Despite these challenges, Black Rock continued to grow. In 1814, American riflemen defended Black Rock. They protected it from a British attack. In 1839, Black Rock became an official town. However, in 1853, the City of Buffalo took over Black Rock.
A Stop on the Underground Railroad
Black Rock was very important for the Underground Railroad. This was a secret network that helped enslaved African-Americans escape to freedom. Because of its ferry and location across from Canada, many people crossed here. This history is celebrated with an annual re-enactment. It takes place at Freedom Park (Buffalo, New York) on Unity Island. This park is where the old ferry dock used to be.
Industries and Architecture
The first industry in Black Rock was shipbuilding. Later, factories and canal trade became important. Today, you can still see some houses from before Black Rock joined Buffalo. There are also many old industrial buildings. These buildings show the architecture of the early 1900s. You can learn more about Black Rock's history. The Buffalo History Museum has many documents and collections. The Market Square Historic District is a special area. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011.
Railroad Connections
In the 1870s, the International Railway Bridge was built. This bridge connected the United States and Canada at Black Rock. It was an amazing engineering feat for its time. The Black Rock Rail Yard handled both passenger trains and freight. Freight means goods being transported. Over time, the rail yard changed. New highways and air travel meant fewer people took trains. So, the Black Rock Rail Yard lost its passenger service. It also lost most of its freight service. However, the railroad bridge is still used a lot. It is one of the most important rail crossings between the two countries.
Famous People from Black Rock
Some well-known people have lived in Black Rock.
- Robert Creeley was an American poet. He lived in Black Rock from 1990 to 2003.
- Peter Buell Porter was a US Secretary of War. This is a high government position.
- John M. Holley was a US Congressman.
