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Finding a Battlefield; Researchers Search for Original Scajaquada Bridge

The Battle of the Scajaquada Creek Bridge turned the tide for the Americans in the War of 1812. A group of University at Buffalo graduate students researched the history of the creek and believe they have pinpointed the battle's actual location.

BUFFALO, NY - The Battle of Scajaquada Creek was one of the most pivotal battles of the war of 1812 and it took place in the heart of the Village of Black Rock, an area that is now a Buffalo neighborhood. A group of recent University at Buffalo graduate students are hoping that their research will better define our history, and future tourism.

UB Alumnus Brad Everdyke says "We essentially had to uncover the creek through layered history, everything from industrialization to urbanization, to the war of 1812." Everdyke, Richard Rogers and Katharine Hewlings were part of the team that authored this research project. It looks into the many aspects of the Scajaquada; how it has changed over the years, and what has happened along its banks. One objective was to pinpoint the exact location of the bridge that was at the center of conflict during the war of 1812.

Rogers says there were many obstacles they had to overcome, specifically how much the street grids of Buffalo and Black Rock changed over the years. "The way the Military Road was incorporated into the street grid of the City of Buffalo, most of what we found is that it would be nearly impossible to trace the exact process by which streets were moved and relocated."

Everdyke added "We focused on locating that bridge because there is some current research and there's even a label for where the bridge was that we think is wrong actually. " The historic marker sits on Grant Street near Buffalo State College. The team's research leads them to believe it was actually closer to the Niagara Street bridge over the creek. They hope that by proving the location, they might ultimately be able to push for a national battlefield designation. Rogers says it would not only rewrite history, but possibly the future as well. "Hopefully this will have a catalytic impact over here and helps build on the development and connectivity in that area of Black Rock."

They ultimately hope that more tourism will lead to a variety of things such as parks and better connectivity with the Niagara River and more attention on a section of town that has been overlooked for a long time.

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