Black Rock, NY – A Historic Buffalo Neighborhood Proudly Served by Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys
At Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys, we are proud to serve residents of Black Rock, New York, a neighborhood rich in heritage, resilience, and community spirit. From our nearby Buffalo office, our dedicated legal team provides aggressive, compassionate representation to injury victims in Black Rock and the greater Buffalo region. Whether you’ve been involved in a car accident, slip and fall, workplace injury, or another personal injury incident, we are committed to helping you seek justice and fair compensation.
A Brief History of Black Rock, NY
Located in the northwest section of Buffalo, Black Rock was once an independent municipality that played a significant role in the early development of Western New York. Its name is derived from a large outcropping of black limestone that once jutted out into the Niagara River—an important landmark that was eventually removed in the early 1820s to make way for the Erie Canal.
In the early 19th century, Black Rock was a fierce competitor to Buffalo as the prospective terminus of the Erie Canal. Although Buffalo ultimately won that honor due to its larger harbor and greater distance from the Canadian border—considered strategically important after the War of 1812—Black Rock maintained its own identity and prosperity. The neighborhood was officially incorporated as a town in 1839, and in 1853, it was annexed by the growing city of Buffalo.
Black Rock’s Role in American History
Despite suffering setbacks—twice burned to the ground by British forces during the War of 1812—Black Rock rebounded with remarkable resilience. One of the town's earliest institutions was the Black Rock Ferry, which began service around 1795, providing a critical crossing point over the treacherous Niagara River to Fort Erie, Ontario. This ferry service continued until 1951, serving as both a practical transportation hub and a symbolic bridge between nations.
Black Rock also played a vital role in the Underground Railroad. Because of its ferry and direct access to Canada, the neighborhood became a crucial crossing point for African Americans escaping slavery in the pre-Civil War era. This legacy of courage and hope was celebrated for a decade through annual reenactments at Freedom Park on Unity Island—honoring those who risked everything in their quest for freedom.
Industry, Infrastructure, and Innovation
Historically, shipbuilding was Black Rock’s first major industry, followed by foundries, manufacturing, and canal-based commerce. As industrialization surged through the 19th and early 20th centuries, Black Rock developed a distinct architectural identity, with sturdy brick and masonry buildings that still dot the landscape today—some still in use, others waiting for restoration and reuse.
A major milestone in Black Rock’s history came in the 1870s with the construction of the International Railway Bridge, a marvel of engineering that connected the U.S. and Canada. This bridge, along with the Black Rock Rail Yard, made the area a pivotal point for both passenger travel and commercial freight. Though passenger service eventually ceased due to evolving transportation trends—like the St. Lawrence Seaway and interstate highway systems—the railway bridge remains a critical commercial rail connection between the two countries.
A Community with Character
Black Rock today retains a strong sense of identity rooted in its diverse history and architecture. The Market Square Historic District, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2011, celebrates the neighborhood’s vibrant past and ongoing preservation efforts. Walking through Black Rock is like strolling through a living museum, where early 20th-century industrial buildings, pre-annexation homes, and newer developments blend seamlessly.
The neighborhood has also been home to several notable figures, including Robert Creeley, a renowned American poet who lived in a converted firehouse at Amherst and East Streets from 1990 to 2003. Peter Buell Porter, former U.S. Secretary of War, and John M. Holley, a U.S. Congressman, also once called Black Rock home—further cementing its historical significance.
Legal Help for Black Rock Residents
At Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys, we believe that every individual has the right to safety, dignity, and justice—values deeply rooted in Black Rock’s history of perseverance and community strength. If you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, whether in a car accident, construction incident, slip and fall, or medical malpractice, our legal team is here to stand with you.
We understand the impact that serious injuries can have—not just physically, but emotionally and financially. Our attorneys work tirelessly to:
Investigate your case
Negotiate with insurance companies
Pursue full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering
Take your case to trial if necessary
We are proud to be a part of the Buffalo community and to serve the hardworking residents of Black Rock with dedication, integrity, and skill.
Why Choose Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys?
Local Knowledge: Our proximity to Black Rock gives us insight into local roads, businesses, and community dynamics that can make a difference in your case.
Proven Results: We have a strong track record of securing successful outcomes for injury victims across Erie County.
Client-Centered Service: We take the time to understand your story, answer your questions, and guide you through every step of the legal process.
No Fees Unless We Win: We work on a contingency fee basis—you don’t pay unless we secure a recovery on your behalf.
Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured in Black Rock or the surrounding Buffalo area, don’t wait. Contact Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys today to schedule your free consultation. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve—because your story matters, and your recovery is our mission.
Sullivan Brill Personal Injury Attorneys — Proudly Serving Black Rock and Western New York.
