Did you know that 2025 marks the 175th anniversary of the Village of Williamsville’s official incorporation? We think that’s a reason to celebrate! Join us this year as we share memories, photos, and stories of the community we love.
The heart of our town, Main Street, is steeped in rich history. Long before it became a bustling center of commerce, it was known as the Great Iroquois Trail, a vital route established by the Haudenosaunee people. This trail once connected communities across the land, serving as a pathway for trade, culture, and connection. Today, as you stroll down Main Street, you’re walking in the footsteps of history, tracing the route of indigenous peoples who shaped the land long before the modern town was established. It’s a reminder that our past is woven into the fabric of our present.
Williamsville’s story unfolds where this major road connecting Batavia and Buffalo crossed Ellicott Creek, just above the stunning Glen Falls. The powerful waterfall quickly became an attraction for early developers, drawn by the water’s potential to power their mills. In 1811, Jonas Williams constructed the first mill here, earning the village its original name, “Williams Mills.” That mill still stands today, proudly known as the Williamsville Water Mill, nestled next to Glen Park.
Throughout the 19th century, the area grew into a thriving mill town with several others springing up around the falls. In 1841, a raceway was constructed to divert water from Ellicott Creek to fuel these mills, and it created a small island now called Island Park—a beloved landmark to this day. Nearby, in 1827, Oziel Smith built a stagecoach stop, tavern, and inn along the main road by Ellicott Creek. This building still stands as the iconic Eagle House Restaurant.
The village’s early development centered around the meeting point of Main Street and Glen Falls, drawing in travelers and proprietors. Religion also played an important role in the community’s growth. Ss. Peter and Paul Church, which began operating in the 1820s, was constructed in 1834 after Oziel Smith sold land for its establishment. The church was completed in 1836. During this period, the church also established a school, with none other than St. John Neumann teaching there, from 1836 to 1840. Today, the Neumann Center still holds mass on Sundays in the Meeting House.
Williamsville’s history takes a more dramatic turn during the War of 1812. American troops were stationed here, using the area between Garrison Road and Ellicott Creek as their camp. The soldiers, along with British prisoners of war, were treated in makeshift field hospitals and log barracks along Garrison Road. A small cemetery on Aero Drive holds the graves of soldiers. General Winfield Scott used the Evans House as his headquarters during the British attack on Buffalo in 1813.
In 1850, Williamsville joined the ranks of over 550 New York villages to be officially incorporated, solidifying its place in history as the vibrant, historic community we know today.
Stay tuned for more official celebration announcements in the weeks and months ahead. Happy Birthday, Williamsville!