Overview
Niagara County is in the extreme western part of New York State, just north of Buffalo and adjacent to Lake Ontario on its northern border and the Niagara River and Canada on its western border.
The primary geographic feature of the county is Niagara Falls, the riverbed of which has eroded seven miles south over the past 12,000 years since the last Ice Age.
The Niagara River and Niagara Falls, are in effect, the drainage ditch for four of the Great Lakes which constitute the largest supply of fresh water in the world. The water flows north from Lake Erie, then through the Niagara River, goes over Niagara Falls, and then on to Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, eventually emptying into the North Atlantic Ocean.
Key Aspects
Main Industries: Niagara County's key industries include tourism as well as argiculture and wine. The fertile flatland that is used to grow grapes, apples, peaches and other fruits and vegetables. Viticulture, or wine culture has begun to take place, with several wineries as part of the Niagara Wine Trail.
Education: Niagara University is located in Lewiston. Niagara County Community College is located in Sanborn.
Land: Niagara County is bordered on three sides by water, Lake Ontario to the North, Tonawanda Creek to the South and the Niagara River to the West. There are two Indian reservations in Niagara County — Tuscarora and Tonawanda. Additionally, there are many State parks such as De Veaux Woods State Park, Devil's Hole State Park, Fort Niagara State Park, Earl W. Brydges Artpark State Park, Four Mile Creek State Park, Golden Hill State Park, Joseph Davis State Park, Niagara Reservation State Park, Reservoir State Park and Wilson-Tuscarora State Park.
Elected Officials
County Legislature, Chairman - Rebecca J. Wydysh
Municipalities
- Lockport, City of
- Niagara Falls, City of
- North Tonawanda, City of
- Cambria, Town of
- Hartland, Town of
- Lewiston, Town of
- Lockport, Town of
- Newfane, Town of
- Niagara, Town of
- Pendleton, Town of
- Porter, Town of
- Royalton, Town of
- Somerset, Town of
- Barker, Village of (shared with Town of Hartland)
- Wheatfield, Town of
- Wilson, Town of