How Buffalo was named remains a mystery, although the site has never been called anything else. Ironically there have never been buffalo in Buffalo; even the shaggy beasts at the Buffalo Zoological Gardens are technically North American bison. One theory blames the misnomer on a mispronunciation of the French beau fleuve, or “beautiful river.†The river in question is the Niagara. The French explorer Robert La Salle paddled his canoe down the Niagara in 1628. A small French settlement was established in 1758. It was burned by the British the following year, but the settlers held fast. Joseph Ellicott informed them in 1800 that the Holland Land Co. had bought the land. Ellicott mapped out plans for a town to be called New Amsterdam and patterned after Washington, D.C.
Things to do in Buffalo
Buffalo Museum of Science
The Buffalo Museum of Science has exhibits about Egyptians, dinosaurs, insects, space and endangered species as well as a children's discovery room. Interactive exhibits allow visitors to experiment with science. The Kellogg Observatory offers sun shows in the summer. Call (716) 896-5200 for more information.
1020 Humboldt Pkwy., Buffalo, NY 14214
Buffalo Zoological Gardens
Buffalo Zoological Gardens, 2 mi. n. on Elmwood Ave., then e. on Iroquois Dr. to Delaware Park, has indoor and outdoor displays of more than 1,000 animals and birds on 23.5 acres. A highlight is the one-horned rhinoceros. Special exhibits include a wildlife building, lion and tiger outdoor habitat, gorilla rain forest and children's zoo. Carousel and train rides are available in season. Call (716) 837-3900 for more information.
300 Parkside Ave., Buffalo, NY 14214
Fort Erie Railroad Museum
Fort Erie Railroad Museum displays railroad memorabilia in a 1910 station. Visitors may enter the cab of a 1942 coal-fired steam locomotive. Call (905) 871-1412 for more information.
400 Central Ave., Fort Erie, ON 14214
Old Fort Erie
Originally built in 1764, the fort was damaged by flooding and ice in 1779 and destroyed by a storm in 1802. A second fort begun in 1804 was still incomplete when war broke out in 1812. While garrisoned by only 170 British in July 1814, it was captured by 4,500 Americans under Gen. Jacob Brown, who strengthened the fort, defended it against assault and later abandoned it. Restored in 1939, Old Fort Erie is an impressive structure with a dry ditch, drawbridge, bastions and guns typical of early 19th-century fortifications. It contains relics of the War of 1812 and equipment used by the British and American armies. Call (905) 871-0540 for more information.
350 Lake Shore Rd., Fort Erie, ON 14214
Tifft Nature Preserve
Tifft Nature Preserve encompasses 264 acres with nature trails, a wildflower garden and a 75-acre cattail marsh. Picnicking, fishing, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted. Call (716) 825-6397 for more information.
1200 Fuhrmann Blvd., Buffalo, NY 14214