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History

Buffalo can stake claim to some incredible history that helped shape our nation.

Head to the Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural National Historic Site to see where America’s 26th president took the oath of office, learn about Buffalo’s role as western terminus of the Erie Canal at the Erie Canal Harbor, and discover Buffalo’s industrial, ethnic and Native American heritage at the Buffalo & Erie County Historical Society.

Visit the graves of President Millard Fillmore and Civil War soldiers at the scenic Forest Lawn Cemetery, venture into the Colored Musician’s Club, where jazz legends like Louis Armstrong used to perform, and make a stop at the Michigan Street Baptist Church, which played an important role in the Abolitionist movement. Then head to America’s largest inland floating history museum, the Buffalo and Erie County Naval & Military Park, scope out antique cars at the Buffalo Transportation/Pierce-Arrow Museum, and grab a bite at Founding Fathers, a presidential-themed pub.

On top of that, you can take a step back to the days of the War of 1812 at Old Fort Niagara, explore 19th century life on the Niagara Frontier at the Amherst Museum, and journey 15 miles on the Erie Canal with the help of Lockport Locks and Erie Canal Cruises. And in the Village of East Aurora, you can learn about the Roycroft Arts & Crafts movement and visit the Millard Fillmore House.