#buffalos oldest

The Oldest Building in Buffalo - Part V - Fort Niagara

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

Although the Gipple Cabin was built in 1803 it does not come close to being the oldest building in Western New York, which dates back to 1726. Old Fort Niagara has been part of one of the longest continuously run military bases in the United States having been occupied by New France (1726 - 1759), Great Britain (1759 - 1796), the US Army (1815 - 1963), and the US Coast Guard (1963 - Present).

The 288 year old fort sits at the mouth of the Niagara River along Lake Ontario. For nearly 50 years the French struggled to keep men alive in this wilderness until the current fort was built giving this spot over 3 centuries of history with 98 years before the creation of the United States. The most prominent building is known as French Castle and it was originally built as a trading post with the natives. Throughout the remaining 288 years it fell victim to multiple occupations but still remains intact.

Image 1 by Charny

Image 2 by Ad Meskens

Image 3 by Waterproof947

The Oldest Building in Buffalo - Part IV - Gipple Cabin

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

While the Coit House is the oldest building in the city proper it is the Gipple Cabin that, at least for now, holds the title as Erie County's oldest building. Gipple Cabin was built by a man named Amos Woodward at the corner of what is now Harris Hill and Wherle in 1803 when Thomas Jefferson was still President. The two century old structure continued to draw those fascinated by its age until 2013 when it was deconstructed in an attempt to save it. Today, the future of the Gipple Cabin remains uncertain.

Image 1 by Rev. Walter Kern, 1974

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