North Tonawanda

Tonawanda in the Seneca language means "swift-running water". Tonawanda Creek, which flows into the Niagara River, once had large stretches of rapids (see Rapids, New York) until it was tamed with the construction of the Erie Canal.

The city also calls itself the "Lumber City," due to its past primary industry, and it once was the largest port on the Great Lakes during the height of the Erie Canal. Along Goundry Street are mansions built for the lumber barons, including 208 Goundry Street, called Kent Place, designed by Stanford White. Many of the local residents refer to the city as the "Jewel of Niagara County" due to its geographical setting between the Niagara River and Erie Canal. Street signs on the borders of town welcome visitors to the "Home of the Carousel".