#buffalo lighthouse

Buffalo, New York, United States

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Constructed: 1833

Buffalo Main

Buffalo Lighthouse Sunset

Lake Effect over the Lighthouse

The Black Keys - Limited Edition Silkscreen Concert Poster - Buffalo, NY

The Oldest Building in Buffalo - Part II - Buffalo Lighthouse

*This is the second part of a five part series on some of the oldest buildings in Buffalo and Western New York. (See Part: I, III, IV, V)

While the Dun Building may be the oldest skyscraper in Buffalo there are plenty of other buildings that are much older. Built in 1833 the Buffalo Lighthouse stands as the oldest building on the waterfront and the oldest building in the city on its original foundation. The limestone tower has stood vigil in blustering Lake Erie winters and colorful summer sunsets for over 180 years. During the years surrounding its construction 70% of crime reported across the entire United States was happening around Lake Erie or the Erie Canal. But the lighthouse was built and when construction was completed a local newspaper reported that it was "the most perfect work of its kind on this side of the ocean and perhaps in the world."

While the opinion might be a tad overzealous the Buffalo Lighthouse has become the symbol for the city as its the only Buffalo building to make it on to the city seal and flag. But the construction of the breakwater in 1868 decreased the need for the lighthouse significantly and by 1914 it was turned off altogether, only to be lit for high ceremony. When the Army Corp of Engineers attempted to demolish the lighthouse to widen the mouth of the Buffalo River in the 1950s the citizens of Buffalo came to its rescue demanding it remain and by 1962 it was receiving a restoration. Strangely, the lighthouse also adopted the nickname of another smaller tower that reminded people of a coolie hat that once sat beside it - Chinaman's Light. Today the public has access to the little marine park surrounding its base.

Image 1 © RJ Gabor

Image 2 © Jodi Keklak

LaSalle Sunset

Lighthouse Point - Buffalo, NY