Tanneries, Clothiers, Piano Makers, Saddlers and Breweries

Already a major transportation center, Buffalo was evolving into a center of industry and and manufacturing. At the height of the canal era, in the mid-1800s, countless manufacturing enterprises took advantage of the huge volume of raw materials that passed through the city. The influx of grain, iron, and other goods led to the development of breweries, leather works, shoe factories, saddlers, clothiers, furniture and piano makers, agricultural equipment makers, and bicycle manufacturers. The availability of coal from Pennsylvania, iron ore form Minnesota and electric power from Niagara Falls led to a dramatic expansion of the iron and steel industry on the outskirts of Bufalo during the early years of the 20th century. In the 1880s, George Pierce was making bird cages and bicycles on Prime Street in the canal district. He started building automobiles in 1901. By the 1920s, his Pierce-Arrow was a major national brand. Pierce Bicycle Company, Hanover Street at Prime. Buffalo Transportation/Pierce-Arrow Museum Collection. Vast quantities of lumber fom the upper Midwest passed through Buffalo. Western History/ Geneology Department, Denver Public Library. Lake freighters and canal boats at C.T.T. elevator, 1900. Library of Congress.

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Show me all markers in:  Buffalo, NY  |  Erie County  |  14202  |  New York  |  United States of America

Buffalo - A Network of Canals
The Big Picture
The Ruins at Canalside
Buffalo Riverfront Historical Eras to 1930
Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor
Buffalo - Queen City of the Lakes
The Grand Canal
Harboring Hopes
Rebirth & Renewal
William Wells Brown

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