Buffalo

On December 30, 1813, during the War of 1812, British forces and their Native American allies attacked the village of Buffalo. Most of Buffalo was burned to the ground in the attack, leaving only a handful of structures standing. This event was part of a larger campaign of reprisal raids conducted by the British in response to American attacks on Canadian territory, and it had a significant impact on the residents of the area.

The Erie Canal, which stretches from the Hudson River in Albany to Lake Erie in Buffalo, opened on October 26, 1825. The canal had a profound impact on the economy and growth of Buffalo, transforming it from a small frontier village into a bustling city. The canal enabled people and goods to move from the Atlantic Ocean all the way to the Great Lakes, revolutionizing trade and helping to establish Buffalo as a major transportation hub.

On October 11, 1860, Abraham Lincoln, then a candidate for President, visited Buffalo, New York. He was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd and gave a speech at the American Hotel in downtown Buffalo. This visit was part of Lincoln's campaign tour as he sought support during his run for presidency. Lincoln's presence highlighted the political importance of Buffalo and the rising tensions in the nation during the years leading up to the Civil War.

The Pan-American Exposition, a world's fair held in Buffalo, New York, opened on May 1, 1901, and ran through November 2, 1901. The exposition showcased the culture and achievements of countries in the Americas and featured technological advancements, including the widespread use of electric lighting. Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse's electrical companies had a significant influence on the lighting of the fairground, and the event was notable for its impressive architectural displays.

President William McKinley was shot on September 6, 1901, at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York. McKinley was shot by Leon Czolgosz, an anarchist. He was greeting the public in the Temple of Music on the Exposition grounds when Czolgosz approached him and fired two shots into his abdomen. McKinley died eight days later from gangrene caused by the bullet wounds.

The Buffalo Memorial Auditorium, known locally as "The Aud," was a multi-purpose arena in Buffalo, New York. It opened on October 24, 1952, and was home to various sports teams, most notably the Buffalo Sabres of the National Hockey League and the Buffalo Braves of the National Basketball Association. The venue hosted numerous memorable events, including concerts, political rallies, and ice shows, before it was closed in 1996 and demolished in 2009.

On August 17, 1970, Buffalo hosted one of its first Earth Day protests and events, bringing attention to environmental issues and the need for reform. Citizens from various backgrounds gathered to address pollution and harmful environmental practices, demonstrating a growing awareness and concern for the environment. This event was part of a nationwide movement towards environmental conservation, symbolizing the increasing willingness of urban communities like Buffalo to advocate for sustainable practices and changes.

The Blizzard of 1977 was a catastrophic natural event that hit Buffalo, New York, on February 3, 1977. The storm is famous for its intense winds and nearly zero visibility conditions exacerbated by large snow drifts. The blizzard paralyzed the city for days, leading to extensive damage and impacting daily life severely. It has since become a significant part of Buffalo's collective memory, serving as a benchmark for the city's resilience in the face of harsh winter weather.

The Buffalo Central Terminal, an Art Deco railroad station designed by architects Fellheimer & Wagner for the New York Central Railroad, opened on September 26, 1980. It was the hub of rail transportation for Buffalo until it closed in 1979. Known for its majestic architecture, the terminal now stands as a representation of the grandeur of early 20th-century transportation and has become a focal point for historical preservation efforts in Buffalo.

On January 4, 1993, in a game known as "The Comeback," the Buffalo Bills achieved one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history by overcoming a 32-point deficit to defeat the Houston Oilers 41-38 in an AFC Wild Card playoff game. The game, played at Rich Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, remains one of the most iconic moments in Buffalo sports history, underscoring the resilience and determination of the Bills and their fans.