Buffalo: The City That Debunks the Flat-City Myth
Introduction
Buffalo is often considered a flat city in popular culture. This myth has been perpetuated for decades, and many people continue to believe it. However, the truth is, Buffalo is not a completely flat city. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this myth and debunk it using relevant evidence.
Grid-Like Streets
The first reason why people often label Buffalo as a flat city is because of its grid-like street pattern. Unlike many other cities in the United States that have winding or hilly streets, Buffalo’s streets are arranged in an orderly grid system. This makes it easy for people to navigate and creates an illusion that the city is flat. However, this is not the case.
Varied Topography
Buffalo has varied topography, with some areas being significantly hillier than others. For instance, the city’s Southtowns area features some of the highest elevations in Western New York. Furthermore, the Buffalo Niagara region is part of the Niagara Escarpment, which is a landform that runs from New York to Wisconsin. As a result, the region has numerous hills, valleys, and cliffs that contradict the notion of Buffalo being a flat city.
Near the Coast of Lake Erie
Another proof that Buffalo is not a flat city is the fact that it is located near the coast of Lake Erie. Water bodies influence the topography of the areas around them. Due to this proximity, Buffalo has an undulating appearance, with some roads leading to the lake being steep. In addition, this proximity brings about the exposure to blizzards originating in the large and dynamic lake. The water’s effect causes the city’s climate to be unpredictable throughout the seasons, with wavy wind storms and extreme snowfall occurring in winters.
Great Plains Region
A third reason why people might think Buffalo is a flat city is the fact that it is part of the Great Plains region, which is known for its flatness. However, the Great Plains region does not extend as far east as Buffalo, and thus, the city’s topography is not affected by it in any way.
Diverse Neighborhoods
Buffalo is also home to several distinctive and diverse neighborhoods that have different topographic features. For instance, the Elmwood Village area is a popular neighborhood located on the city’s west side. It is known for its hilly terrain and beautiful architecture. Similar neighborhoods such as Hamlin Park, North Buffalo, Allentown, and Parkside have varying undulating topography, which separates them from the notion of a flat landscape.
Architectural Landmarks
In addition, the construction of architectural landmarks throughout the city also contrasts the flat city myth. The city’s skyline features several tall buildings and structures visible at different angles from different parts of the city. The tallest of them all, the One Seneca Tower, is a 38-story skyscraper located in downtown Buffalo. Therefore, the tall structures throughout the city create dimensions and depth that are contrary to a flat landscape.
Natural Attractions and Parks
Finally, several iconic natural attractions and parks extend through the city, providing undeniable evidence on the city’s non-flat topography. For instance, the Buffalo River, Cazenovia Creek, Scajacuada Creek, and Little Buffalo Creek all have different profiles in the city. Furthermore, Delaware Park is a beautiful park located in Buffalo with various features such as a lake, hills, and numerous pathways to explore.
Conclusion
To sum up, although Buffalo may look and feel flat on some streets, it is not entirely truthful to label the city as flat. Buffalo has an undulating terrain, depicting the diverse topography extending from Lake Erie and Great lakes to upstate New York. Furthermore, the city is home to numerous hills, valleys, cliffs, and parks, creating an extent in topography that disproves the City’s flat city myth. The next time someone tries to convince you that Buffalo is entirely flat, you can confidently debunk this myth with the evidence presented in this article.