The second largest city and the largest inland port in New York, Buffalo lies at the end of Lake Erie at the head of the Niagara Falls. It has been aptly nicknamed by Millard Fillmore as "The Queen City of the Lakes," because of its excellent waterways.  Power supplied by the Niagara Falls attracted a variety of industrialists to set up their business here. Its stalwart citizens, who twice rebuilt the city when it was destroyed by fire, have succeeded in creating an international lakefront city rich in culture and notable for its architecture and many beautiful parks. Buffalo was named an “All-America City” in 2002, National Civic League. In recent years, Buffalo has struggled against a declining population and a poor public perception—but it has been successful in rebuilding the confidence of the people.

Winters are severe in Buffalo but not as strong as outsiders feel. It is influenced by the below-freezing winds blowing across the warmer lake water which produces lake effect snow in amounts higher than most northern states. The same winds over Lake Erie create cool breezes in summer, which arrives suddenly in mid-June.

Area: 52.51 square miles (2000)

Elevation: 599 feet above sea level

Latitude: 42.90 N

Longitude: 78.85 W

Average Temperatures: January, 24.2° F; July, 70.7° F; annual average, 47.7° F

Average Annual Precipitation: 38.5 inches of rain; 93.3 inches of snow

Population: 279,745 as on 2005 census

Attractions

• Buffalo City Hall's Observation Tower
• Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historical Site
• Buffalo Main Lighthouse
• The Buffalo and Erie County Botanical Gardens

Festivals

• St. Patrick's Day
• Juneteenth Festival
• Friendship Festival
• Taste of Buffalo