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Lockport City, NY

Frequently asked questions

Lockport City, NY

Lockport is both a city and the town that surrounds it in Niagara County, New York, United States. The city is the Niagara County seat, with a population of 21,165 according to 2010 census figures, and an estimated population of 20,305 as of 2019.

Its name derives from a set of Erie Canal locks (Lock Numbers 34 and 35) within the city that were built to allow canal barges to traverse the 60-foot natural drop (18 m) of the Niagara Escarpment. It is part of the Buffalo–Niagara Falls metropolitan area.

The New York State Legislature authorized the Erie Canal's construction in April 1816. The route proposed by surveyors was to traverse an area in central Niagara County, New York, which was then "uncivilized" and free of White settlers. At the time, the nearest settlers were in nearby Cold Springs, New York. Following the announcement, land speculators began to buy large plots along and near the proposed route of the canal. By December 1820, when the exact location of the step locks had been determined, the area that would become Lockport was owned by only fifteen men, many of whom were Quakers.

The canal reached Lockport in 1824, but the Flight of Five Locks was not completed until 1825. By 1829, Lockport was an established village. The community was centered on the locks and consisted mainly of immigrant Scottish and Irish canal workers brought in as labor. The workers remained in Lockport after the completion of the locks, giving the city a heavy Celtic influence still discernible today, especially in the central and northern areas. The city of Lockport was incorporated in 1865. The Erie Canal was supplanted by the larger New York State Barge Canal in 1918, and the famous south "Flight of Five" locks were replaced by two much larger locks E34 and E35. The north "Flight of Five" lock chambers remain as a spillway.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 8.6 square miles (22.4 km²), of which 8.5 square miles (22.1 km²) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.3 km²) (1.39%) is water. The Erie Canal passes through the center of the city, turning south toward Tonawanda Creek. It climbs the Niagara Escarpment through a series of two modern locks. Originally, a double set of five smaller combined locks was used.

Lockport is at the junction of several major truck routes, including NY Route 78 (Transit Road), NY Route 31, NY Route 77, and NY Route 93. It is 17 miles north of Interstate 90 via NY Route 78. The highest point is the bell tower at 452 High Street, with the street itself being the highest street as measured by frontage above the 650-foot elevation. Lockport lies in area code 716.

Health and wellness are priorities in Lockport, with several healthcare facilities serving the community. Catholic Health - Lockport is a prominent healthcare provider in the city, offering a wide range of medical services. Fitness centers like YMCA Lockport and Planet Fitness promote physical activity, while personalized nutrition counseling is available at the Lockport Health and Wellness Center. Holistic therapies can be accessed at Lockport Chiropractic. Engage in community fitness classes and youth sports leagues organized by the Lockport Family YMCA, fostering a holistic approach to wellness and community engagement. The city is also home to numerous parks and recreational areas, providing opportunities for physical activities and a healthy lifestyle.

Top sites in Lockport City, NY are Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride, Niagara County Historical Society & Erie Canal Discovery Center, and Erie Canal Discovery Center.

Population: 20,436 (2023). ZIP code: 14094-14095. Area code: 716. Elevation: 614 ft (187 m). Area: 8.45 sq mi (21.87 km²).

FAQs

What is Lockport, NY famous for?

Lockport is a 21st-century city with its roots in the early 1800s. Just stand on “The Big Bridge” in the heart of town and you'll see why – the Erie Canal! Lockport rose from the banks of this engineering marvel, enjoying industrial growth and prosperity.

What airport is close to Lockport, NY?

The nearest airport to Lockport is Niagara Falls (IAG) Airport which is 13.4 miles away. Other nearby airports include Buffalo (BUF) (16.6 miles), Billy Bishop Toronto City (YTZ) (48 miles), Rochester (ROC) (52 miles) and Toronto (YYZ) (58.5 miles). However, there are better options for getting to Lockport. GO Transit operates a train from Toronto Union Station to Niagara Falls GO 3 times a day. Tickets cost $13 - $19 and the journey takes 2h 19m. VIA Rail also services this route once daily. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Buffalo (BUF) to Lockport via Buffalo and South Division Street Ellicott Loop in around 2h 9m.

Is Lockport, NY a city or town?

Lockport is both a city and the town that surrounds it in Niagara County, New York, United States. The city is the Niagara County seat, with a population of 21,165 according to 2010 census figures, and an estimated population of 20,305 as of 2019. Its name derives from a set of Erie Canal locks (Lock Numbers 34 and 35) within the city that were built to allow canal barges to traverse the 60-foot natural drop (18 m) of the Niagara Escarpment.

Sources

Wikipedia

City of Lockport

Lockport Public Library

Lockport Chiropractic

The YMCA

All Trails

Planet Fitness

Lockport City School District

Indian Health Service

Catholic Health

Rome2Rio

World Population Review

Lockport Cave & Underground Boat Ride

Niagara County Historical Society & Erie Canal Discovery Center

Erie Canal Discovery Center

Upson Park

The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete, or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 (in the United States) immediately.