Buffalo, New York is not only a bustling city today, but also has a deep and rich history. The area was originally inhabited by the Iroquois people, who were known for their agricultural practices as well as their intricate trading networks with other Native Americans and Europeans.

The first European settlers to arrive in Buffalo were French missionaries and traders who came in the late 1600s. They were followed by British settlers, who established the first towns in the area beginning in 1789. The early settlers focused on fur trapping and trading, as well as building trails and roads to further connect Buffalo with other areas of New York and Canada.

In 1813, during the War of 1812, the British burned Buffalo to the ground. However, by this time it had already become an important port city for trade and transportation. Buffalo quickly recovered from its destruction in the war and was soon a key hub for commerce and industry, such as grain milling, lumber processing, shipbuilding and more.

In 1825, the city of Buffalo was officially incorporated. With the completion of the Erie Canal in 1825, Buffalo became an even more important transportation hub connecting Great Lakes ports with other major eastern cities. This also drove a boom in population growth and development throughout the 1800s, resulting in Buffalo becoming one of the most populous cities in New York State.