Buffalo

Buffalo
City
Flag Seal
Nickname(s):  The Queen City, The City of Good Neighbors
Motto(s):  "City of Light"
Coordinates:
Country	United States
State	New York
County	Erie
Founded	1801
Incorporated (city)	1832
Government
• Type	Mayor–council government
• Mayor	Byron Brown
Area
• Total	52.5 sq mi (136.0 km2)
• Land	40.6 sq mi (105.2 km2)
• Water	11.9 sq mi (30.8 km2)
Population  (2020)
• Total	278,349
• Density	6,853/sq mi (2,646.1/km2)
Time zone	UTC−5 (Eastern)
• Summer (DST)	UTC−4 (EDT)
ZIP Codes	14201-14280
Area code(s)	716
Website	buffalony.gov

Buffalo is the second-largest city in the U.S. state of New York and the seat of Erie County. It is located at the eastern end of Lake Erie, at the head of the Niagara River. As of the 2020 census, Buffalo had a population of 278,349. The city is a major gateway for commerce and travel across the Canada–United States border, forming part of the bi-national Buffalo–Niagara Falls metropolitan area.

History

Buffalo was founded in 1801 as a small trading community near the Buffalo Creek Reservation. The city grew rapidly after the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825, which provided a direct water route to the Atlantic Ocean. Buffalo became a major port and industrial center, known for its grain elevators, steel mills, and automobile plants.

Geography

Buffalo is located on the eastern shore of Lake Erie and is characterized by a humid continental climate, with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. The city is divided into several neighborhoods, including Allentown, Elmwood Village, and North Buffalo.

Economy

Buffalo's economy has historically been based on manufacturing and transportation, but it has diversified in recent years to include healthcare, education, and technology. Major employers in the area include the Kaleida Health system, the University at Buffalo, and M&T Bank.

Education

Buffalo is home to several institutions of higher education, including the University at Buffalo, Buffalo State College, and Canisius College. The city also has a number of public and private primary and secondary schools.

Culture

Buffalo is known for its rich cultural heritage, including its architecture, music, and cuisine. The city is home to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Buffalo Museum of Science. Buffalo is also famous for its Buffalo wings, a popular bar food that originated in the city.

Sports

Buffalo has a strong sports culture, with professional teams including the Buffalo Bills (NFL) and the Buffalo Sabres (NHL). The city also has a number of minor league and college sports teams.

Transportation

Buffalo is served by the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, as well as several major highways, including Interstate 90 and Interstate 190. The city also has a light rail system, the Buffalo Metro Rail, which runs from downtown to the University at Buffalo's South Campus.

Notable People

• Millard Fillmore, 13th President of the United States
• Grover Cleveland, 22nd and 24th President of the United States
• Tim Russert, journalist and television host

Related Pages

• Erie Canal
• Lake Erie
• Niagara Falls
• Buffalo Bills
• Buffalo Sabres
• University at Buffalo