Upon arriving in Buffalo, visitors are struck by the city's numerous and varied strengths – from athletics to art, natural beauty to architecture, historical sites to scrumptious dining – it's hard to categorize all the city offers.The second largest city in New York, Buffalo's prosperity is derived from its proximity to the Great Lakes, Erie Canal and Niagara Falls. Steel and grain mills, built alongside the city's major waterways, fueled Buffalo's growth from the 19th to mid-20th century. During this industrial boom, benefactors made many improvements that remain evident today, such as city center's Delaware Park and the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright.Buffalo's foundation may be traced to Dutch investors who purchased the settlement from the Native American Seneca tribe. Historical highlights include its participation in the Underground Railroad during the Civil War era. Today visitors may tour the route, including a historic church in downtown Buffalo and the Whirlpool Bridge, known as Freedom Crossing, at Niagara Falls, which led many former slaves to freedom.Settled by several different ethnic groups and influenced by the frigid climate, Buffalo boasts its own brand of cuisine – savory, substantial fare that warms the bones and satiates the appetite. The city's not only the birthplace of the namesake chicken wings, but also home of the legendary carved roasted beef sandwich on a salted kummelweck roll, known as beef on weck. Neighborhood bars provide a popular spot to enjoy the hearty grub, while enjoying the latest sports coverage.