The Legendary Last Leg: From Buffalo to Black Rock with Hannah Quaintance

It all came down to this. The Erie Canal's final stretch—from Buffalo to Black Rock—was one of the most hotly contested battlegrounds in early American infrastructure. On this tour, we ride through the political, economic, and military drama that determined where the canal would end—and who would reap the benefits

Researched and led by Hannah Quaintance, this tour explores the deep rivalry between the villages of Buffalo and Black Rock. You’ll learn how Joseph Ellicott, Peter Porter, and Judge Samuel Wilkeson jockeyed for power and placement, using every tool at their disposal.

We’ll follow the route of the original canal remnants along the Niagara Street corridor, stopping at key historic sites like Freedom Park, Fort Porter, and the old Black Rock Ferry. Along the way, we’ll explore Black Rock’s role in the War of 1812, the Underground Railroad, and the Fenian Raids—yes, that time a Buffalo-based army tried to invade Canada.

Note: this is a one-way tour with an option to ride back

About the Guide

Hannah is an anthropologist and educator whose work is focused on community-based, collaborative strategies for cultural heritage preservation and access. She is particularly interested in the ways that the past continues to shape the present and how knowledge is shared across generations. In her free time, she loves working with textiles and learning about different textile traditions.