Fun facts about Buffalo

Image Source: ​https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buffalo,_New_York

​Buffalo may be the second-largest city in New York, but it's overflowing with fun facts and unique claims to fame. From its snowy winters to its foodie culture, there's a lot to love about the Queen City. Here are some entertaining tidbits about Buffalo that might surprise you.

​Buffalo Wings Were Invented in...Buffalo

​There's some debate about who first came up with the iconic Buffalo wing, but most food historians agree they originated at the Anchor Bar in 1964. According to legend, the co-owner Teressa Bellissimo whipped up a plate of spicy wings for her son and his friends as a late-night snack. The dish proved so popular that the Anchor Bar put them on the menu, and the rest is history. Over 80 million pounds of wings are consumed in Buffalo every year!

​20 Feet of Snow? No Problem

​Buffalo is famous for its brutal lake-effect snowstorms off of Lake Erie. The city saw an incredible 199.4 inches of snow during the winter of 1976-77 - over 16.5 feet! That winter included a single week where Buffalo was pounded by nearly 7 feet of snow. You'll find local residents to be extremely skilled at snow removal and winter survival. Buffalo even has a few neighborhood "streets" that are just compacted snow in winter.

Birthplace of the Garbage Plate

​While Buffalo wings get the national glory, the signature local dish is the legendary "garbage plate." Don't let the name fool you - it's a delicious calorie bomb that includes grilled hot dogs or cheeseburgers on top of a base of home fries, macaroni salad, baked beans, and mustard and onion topped with a meaty hot sauce. The iconic Nick Tahou Hots is credited with creating this gut-busting plate in the 1960s which is beloved among locals.

​The Birthplace of the Parking Meter

​While parking meters are now ubiquitous across the world, they were actually invented and first installed in Buffalo in 1935. Specifically, the first parking meter stood at the corner of Fort Street and Virginia Street downtown. The meters were put in place to encourage turnover and allow more customers to access downtown businesses. The parking meter was invented in Oklahoma, but Buffalo has the honor of being the first city to use them.

​A City of Presidents

​Buffalo, NY can claim connections to an impressive 11 US presidents. Millard Fillmore was actually born in a log cabin in the nearby town of Summerhill in 1800. Grover Cleveland had a law practice in Buffalo and was the city's sheriff and mayor before becoming president. William McKinley took his oath of office for a second term on the grounds of the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo in 1901, shortly before his assassination. Several other presidents, including Van Buren, Grant, Hayes and Roosevelt had strong Buffalo ties.

​Capital of Sculpted Ceilings

​Due to a impressive concentration of ornate buildings constructed during Buffalo's wealthy heyday from the 1830s to the 1930s, the city supposedly has the greatest number of sculpted ceilings of any location outside of Europe and Moscow. Over 200 buildings feature these artistic dropped plaster ceilings displaying intricate designs and moldings sculpted by European craftsmen. Highlights include displays at Shea's Performing Arts Center and the Buffalo Seminary.

Buffalo, while it may not get the same attention as NYC, still has plenty to fascinate visitors and locals alike. From trendsetting culinary inventions to stunning interior architecture, Buffalo has a unique character that shines through its quirky facts and history. Buffalo wings, anyone?

Weather in Buffalo

Popularly asked questions

Where were Buffalo wings invented?

Buffalo wings were invented in 1964 at the Anchor Bar in Buffalo. According to legend, the co-owner Teressa Bellissimo whipped up a plate of spicy chicken wings for her son and his friends as a late-night snack.

​How much snow does Buffalo usually get each year?

Buffalo is infamous for its heavy lake-effect snow off Lake Erie. The city averages around 95 inches of snow per year, but has seen some epic winters with over 16 feet of snow, including the winter of 1976-77 with 199.4 inches.

What is a "garbage plate"?

​The garbage plate is Buffalo's signature local dish. It contains grilled hot dogs or burgers on top of a base of home fries, macaroni salad, baked beans, and meat hot sauce. Despite the name, it's a delicious but highly caloric Rochester treat.

​Where was the first parking meter installed?

​While parking meters were invented in Oklahoma, the first parking meter was installed in Buffalo in 1935 at the corner of Fort Street and Virginia Street downtown.

​How many U.S. presidents have connections to Buffalo?

​Buffalo has ties to an impressive 11 U.S. presidents, including Millard Fillmore who was born in a nearby town. Grover Cleveland practiced law and was mayor of Buffalo before becoming president. William McKinley took his second oath of office in Buffalo in 1901.