History of Lockport, New York, USA

1854 - Lockport
Lockport, a flourishing post-village, capital of Niagara county, New York, on the Erie canal, and on the Rochester, Lockport, and Niagara Falls railroad, 31 miles N. N. E. from Buffalo, and 260 miles W. by N. from Albany. Lat. 43° 11' N., Lon. 78° 46' W. It is situated at the point on the canal where the water descends from the level of Lake Erie to the Genesee level, by ten double combined locks of massive masonry, in the best style of workmanship. The abundant hydraulic power obtained by this means constitutes one of the chief sources of the prosperity of Lockport. This power will be greatly augmented by the completion of the Erie canal enlargement to Buffalo, which is now far advanced. In the construction of this great work, a barrier of solid limestone has been excavated from the head of the locks, about 3 miles southward, from 25 to 40 feet in depth, and 62 feet in width, with an additional space of 15 feet for a towpath. Water, in any desirable quantity, may be drawn from the... Read MORE...

1881 - LOCKPORT'S LOSS BY FIRE. THE OPERA HOUSE AND ANOTHER BUILDING DESTROYED - LOSS ABOUT $150,000.
Lockport, N. Y., Jan. 5. - The Hodge Opera house building and the Gargling oil building, adjoining, in this city, were destroyed by fire early this morning. The total loss will amount to fully $150,000. The opera house building was owned by JOHN HODGE and the Gargling-oil building by the Gargling oil Company, JOHN HODGE President. The fire is reported as having originated at about 3 o'clock this morning in the STAATS Saloon, in the basement of the opera house building. An alarm was given soon after, and the firemen, with the Holly Water works, fought the flames until 6 o'clock, finally confining them to the buildings named. The following stores and offices, with their contents were substantially destroyed:

JAMES STAATS'S newsroom.
RODENBUCK'S saloon.
The United States Express Company's office.
BAKER'S glove factory.
STRAUSS & MILLER'S clothing store.
The United States Post Office.
The Western Union Telegraph office.
SPECHT'S barber's shop.
The Lockport Union... Read MORE...

1891 - Fatal Accident at Lockport.
LOCKPORT, April 4. - Charles Swift, a young man of 18, fell into one of the locks yesterday afternoon and received injuries which will probably prove fatal. He was fooling carelessly with a lever, when it flew up and tumbles him in. As the water had been drawn off, he struck heavily on the solid masonry bottom and sustained a severe fracture of the skull. Difficulty was experienced in getting him out, as the lock is about twenty-five feet deep.
The Olean Democrat
Olean, New York
April 9, 1891

1895 - Lockport
Lockport, a city, the capital of Niagara co., N.Y., in Lockport township, on the Erie Canal, and on the Rochester & Niagara division of the New York Central Railroad, 25 miles N.N.E. of Buffalo, and 563 miles W. of Rochester. It is 285 miles by railroad or about 330 miles by canal W. by N. of Albany. It is partly built on the declivities of a terrace or long ridge, called the "Mountain Ridge." The canal here descends about 60 feet from the level of Lake Erie to the Genesee level by 10 double combined locks of massive masonry. The abundant hydraulic power thus obtained is one of the main sources of the proserity of the city, and is utilized in numerous mills and factories. The canal here passes through a deep channel which has been cut in solid limestone and is several miles in extent. Lockport contains 15 churches, a large union school-house, 3 national banks, 3 other banks, and printing offices which issue 3 daily and 4 weekly newspapers. It has also a Catholic female academy, 6 or... Read MORE...

1916
Lockport, a city, the capital of Niagara co., N.Y., on the Erie Canal and on the Erie and the New York Central and Hudson River Rs., 25 miles NNE. of Buffalo. It is partly built on the declivities of a terrace or long ridge, called the " Mountain Ridge." The canal here descends about 60 feet from the level of Lake Erie to the Genesee level by 5 locks of massive masonry. The abundant hydraulic power thus obtained is one of the main sources of the prosperity of the city, and is utilized in numerous mills and factories. The canal passes through a deep channel which has been cut in solid limestone, and is several miles in extent. Lockport has important industries, which include iron-foundries, machine-shops, pumping-machinery works, pulp-, peer- and fibre-mills, and manufactures of bedsteads, cotton- and woollen-batting, carriages, flour, brooms, etc. Here are extensive quarries of Niagara limestone, an excellent material for building. Lockport was incorporated as a city in 1865. Pop. in... Read MORE...

Lockport, New York, may be a smaller town, but it's brimming with charm and has a variety of attractions and activities to offer. Here's a list to get you started:
Lockport Locks & Erie Canal Cruises:

Explore the historic Erie Canal with a boat tour through the famous Lockport Locks. Learn about the town's rich canal history and enjoy the scenic views.

Lockport Cave and Underground Boat Ride:

Take a journey beneath the streets of Lockport with a guided tour of the Lockport Cave. The underground boat ride provides a unique perspective on the town's history and geology.

Niagara County History Center:

Discover the local history at the Niagara County History Center. Exhibits showcase the region's past, from Native American cultures to the Erie Canal's impact on Lockport.

Kenan Center:

Visit the Kenan Center, a cultural hub that often hosts art exhibitions, performances, and events. Check their schedule for any ongoing shows or activities.

South Street Art Festival:

If you're in town during the South Street Art Festival, make sure to attend. It's a vibrant event that celebrates local art, music, and food.

Lockport... Read MORE...