Niagara
County is one of the 62 counties that comprise the State of New York. Niagara County consists of 3 cities (Niagara
Falls, North Tonawanda and Lockport) and 12 towns (Cambria, Hartland, Lewiston,
Lockport, Newfane, Niagara, Pendleton, Porter, Royalton, Somerset, Wheatfield
and Wilson.)
The
name Niagara is of Native American
origin and there are literally dozens of spellings and just as many alleged
meanings. One of the more interesting
meanings is the interpretation “at the neck” referring to the Niagara River which
joins Lakes Erie and Ontario.
The
County of Niagara was created in 1808, carved from Genesee County. Initially, Niagara County comprised the area
covered today by Erie and Niagara Counties. In 1821, Erie County was established.
Following the split, a new government seat for Niagara County had to be established. Initially Benjamin Barton, president of the
Village of Lewiston, was chosen chairman, giving Lewiston the temporary honor
of County Seat. In 1823, it was relocated to Lockport where it
remains to this day.
Today,
Niagara County is known for its agriculture and tourism industries as well as
its long manufacturing history. Given its
proximity to Canada, Niagara County is important to international trade and
commerce. Niagara County draws millions
of tourists each year who come to see Niagara Falls, the Erie Canal, the
Niagara Wine Trail and host of other attractions. Learn more about what Niagara has to offer at
https://www.niagarafallsusa.com/
Niagara County Bicentennial