History of Tonawanda, New York, USA

1854 - Tonawanda
Tonawanda, a port and post-village of Tonawanda township, Erie county, New York, at the intersection of Tonawanda creek with the Niagara river, opposite Grand island, and on the Erie canal, where it is crossed by the Buffalo and Niagara Falls railroad, 12 miles N. from Buffalo. It is g. place of considerable business importance, and contains 8 or 10 spacious warehouses, recently erected, 6 or 7 stores, and 2 churches. Many of the lake craft deposit their cargoes here, to be forwarded by the canal. Among the articles received at this port by lake in 1852, were flour, 188,523 barrels; wheat, 235,888 bushels; corn, 237,720 bushels; lumber, 4,310,000 feet; staves, 4,077,000. The total value of property arriving at Tonawanda, for the year including December 31,1852, was $1,988,079. Population, about 1000.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1868 - One J. H. Mower, of Tonawanda, New York, claims to have discovered a new method of sub-aqueous communication, by which he can converse with persons at a distance without cable or other conductor than the water.
He proposes to establish communication between America and Spain within three months at an expense of not more than $10,000. Electricians discredit the statement.

St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
September 12, 1868

1889 - The Buffalo and Niagara Falls Drainage Company has been incorporated with $5,000,000 capital.
The object is to construct a ditch by way of Tonawanda to the bottom of the Niagara gorge, which will be used as a tail race for water motors.
St Joseph Herald
Saint Joseph, Michigan
April 13, 1889

1898 - Tonawanda
Tonawanda is the northwest corner town of Erie county, and is bounded on the north by the river and county of Niagara, on the east by Amherst, on the south by Buffalo, and on the west by Niagara River. It comprises township 12, range 8, of the Holland Company’s survey, and a mile strip along the river lying in the State Reservation, and. contains about 12,555 acres. It was formed from Buffalo on the 16th of April, 1836, and originally included Grand Island, which was set off in October, 1852. The principal stream is Ellicott Creek, flowing through the north part of the town and emptying into Tonawanda Creek, which forms the northern boundary. The surface is generally level. The soil is a clayey loam along the Niagara and a sandy loam in the interior. The western, central and northeastern parts are mainly devoted to agriculture, while much of the remainder is platted and occupied by suburban residences. Large quantities of garden truck are grown for the Buffalo market.

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1904 - Tonawanda - incorporated in 1904

1906
Tonawanda, a post-village of Erie co., N.Y., on the Niagara River, at the mouth of Tonawanda Creek, 10 miles N. of Buffalo and 11 miles SE. of Niagara Falls, on the Erie Canal and on the New York Central and Hudson River R. It has engine-, boiler- and steel-works and manufactures of merry-go-rounds, box-shooks and bandies, box- board, ate, An armory is located here. Bridges connect with North Tonawanda, on the opposite side of Tonawanda Creek. Pop. in 1900, 7421.
Lippincott's New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns ... in Every Portion of the Globe Publisher J.B. Lippincott Company, 1906

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Tonawanda:
Niagara River and Gateway Harbor Park:

Take a leisurely stroll along the Niagara River at Gateway Harbor Park.
Enjoy the scenic views of the water and perhaps catch a sunset.

Niawanda Park:

Explore Niawanda Park, a popular waterfront park with walking trails, playgrounds, and sports facilities.
The park provides a great place for picnics and outdoor activities.

Erie Canal Gateway Harbor:

Visit the Erie Canal Gateway Harbor, a historic area with shops, restaurants, and events.
Take a boat tour or simply enjoy the canal-side atmosphere.

Historical Society of the Tonawandas Museum:

Learn about the local history at the Historical Society of the Tonawandas Museum.
Discover exhibits showcasing the area's past, including its role in the Erie Canal.

Ellicott Creek Park:

Spend some time in Ellicott Creek Park, featuring walking trails, fishing spots, and a scenic creek.
The park offers a peaceful natural retreat within the city.

Niagara Falls:

Tonawanda is ... Read MORE...