Buffalo has some of the richest history around. From architectural feats to innovative inventions, we’re proud to look back on our brilliant past. While we’re hopeful that the best is still yet to come, it’s nice to reminisce on the good ol’ days every once in awhile. Here are 12 vintage photos of Buffalo’s streets that will take you back in time.
- The Buffalo Savings Bank building stands tall above its neighbors on Main Street in 1904. The building currently serves as a branch of M&T Bank and is a City of Buffalo landmark.
Library of Congress / Detroit Publishing Company, Call Number: LC-D4-17950 [P&P]
- This photo dated from 1930 shows City Hall under construction. It has come a long way!
Library of Congress / Prints and Photographs Division, Call Number: HABS NY,15-BUF,13–6
- Buffalo’s glory days were during the Pan-American Exposition. This photo, taken in 1901, shows what we now refer to as the Electric Tower.
Wikimedia Commons / Library of Congress, Digital ID: cph.3b07387
- While not technically a street, transportation via train was a popular choice in 1969. Here, a NY Central Terminal train is shown making a stop in Buffalo.
Wikimedia Commons / Roger Puta (Public Domain)
- Buffalo’s skyline in 1965 looks a bit different today, although we can still see some current landmarks!
Library of Congress / Jack E. Boucher [Call Number HABS NY,15-BUF,6–15]
- The Buffalo Cyclorama Building is one of the most interesting pieces of architecture in the Queen City. This photo shows the unique location, taken in 1890.
Library of Congress / Call Number: HABS NY,15-BUF,24–30
- Erie County Savings Bank is another beautiful Buffalo structure. This photo is dated 1965.
Library of Congress / Jack E. Boucher [Call Number: HABS NY,15-BUF,3–3] Today it is located downtown at 9 Church Street.
- Abraham Lincoln’s funeral procession is shown here, making its way through Buffalo in 1865.
Wikimedia Commons / Buffalo Public Library (Public Domain)
- The date is unknown for this photo of the Bethlehem Steel Corporation.
Library of Congress / Jet Lowe [Call Number: HAER NY,15-LACK,1–45] This was the Lackawanna Plant, located on Route 5. Bethlehem Steel declared bankruptcy in 2001 and was dissolved in 2003. Much of the now-vacant structure suffered from a fire in 2016.
- This image from 1977 shows the Christmas decoration lighting ceremony held by the Retail Merchants Association.
Forgotten Buffalo - Facebook
- This photo from 1960 shows a unique perspective of the city below. It was taken while looking down from the roof of the AM&A.
Forgotten Buffalo - Facebook
- The hustle and bustle of Main Street at Christmastime, pictured here from the early 1970s.
Forgotten Buffalo - Facebook
Do you have any vintage photos of Buffalo? Please share them with us in the comments below, or tag us on Instagram (@onlyinbuffalo) using #onlyinbflo so we can relive the glory days together!
Library of Congress / Detroit Publishing Company, Call Number: LC-D4-17950 [P&P]
Library of Congress / Prints and Photographs Division, Call Number: HABS NY,15-BUF,13–6
Wikimedia Commons / Library of Congress, Digital ID: cph.3b07387
Wikimedia Commons / Roger Puta (Public Domain)
Library of Congress / Jack E. Boucher [Call Number HABS NY,15-BUF,6–15]
Library of Congress / Call Number: HABS NY,15-BUF,24–30
Library of Congress / Jack E. Boucher [Call Number: HABS NY,15-BUF,3–3]
Today it is located downtown at 9 Church Street.
Wikimedia Commons / Buffalo Public Library (Public Domain)
Library of Congress / Jet Lowe [Call Number: HAER NY,15-LACK,1–45]
This was the Lackawanna Plant, located on Route 5. Bethlehem Steel declared bankruptcy in 2001 and was dissolved in 2003. Much of the now-vacant structure suffered from a fire in 2016.
Forgotten Buffalo - Facebook
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
