Black Rock was once an independent city that was slightly larger than Buffalo, NY but was annexed by Buffalo in 1859. Largely due to the fact that Buffalo had a larger harbor for the Erie Canal and the fact that Black Rock was so close to Canada and was the site of border incursions during the War of 1812. Today Black Rock is home to some of Buffalo’s oldest housing being spared during the War of 1812 and the redevelopment of Amherst Street and Chandler Street.