Architecture and History

Buffalo recently celebrated the centennial anniversary of the 1901 Pan-American Exposition, an international gathering that brought world renown-and over eight million visitors-to Buffalo to experience a comprehensive, richly varied exhibition of artistic, technological, agricultural, and industrial progress throughout the Americas.

Only one of the buildings constructed for the Pan-American Exposition-now the home of the Buffalo and Erie County Historical Society-now survives, but Buffalo continues to be famous for its architectural beauties.

From its magnificent Art-Deco City Hall building, built in 1931, to its hundreds of lovingly restored Victorian homes, Buffalo is home to a myriad of architectural treasures.

The Cargill Grain Elevator, on Buffalo's waterfront, is one of the most famous of what is often termed the nation's best collection of historic grain elevators.

Five Frank Lloyd Wright houses are located within the city of Buffalo, as well as many gems designed by H.H. Richardson, D.H. Burnham, and Louis Sullivan-including his 1896 Guaranty Building, then and now one of the world's most stunning skyscrapers.

The Allentown district in downtown Buffalo-one of three Buffalo areas listed on the National Register of Historic Places-is crammed with antique shops, boutiques, cafes, and Victorian homes.

Immediately adjacent to Allentown is Delaware Avenue, familiarly known as "Millionaire's Row," where the headquarters of many of Buffalo's major businesses and civic institutions are centered today.

Buffalo was a major stopping point on the Underground Railroad: the Niagara River was a primary route used by fugitive slaves en route to Canada, and many existing buildings in Buffalo have been identified as safe houses and stations that sheltered fleeing former slaves. (See the Underground Railroad Historic Tour, from Michigan Street Baptist Church to the Whirlpool Bridge near Niagara Falls.)

French-and-Indian War battle re-enactments are regularly staged at nearby Old Fort Niagara.