How did buffalo New York get it and name?

Buffalo, New York, was named after the nearby Buffalo Creek, which ran through the area. The origin of the creek's name is debated; some believe it was named for the American bison, while others suggest it comes from the French term "buffles" referring to the animal. The city itself was founded in the late 18th century and grew rapidly due to its strategic location along Lake Erie and the construction of the Erie Canal in the early 19th century.