North Tonawanda

City in Niagara County, western New York State; population (1990) 35,000. It stands at the junction of the Niagara River with the western end of the New York State Barge Canal and Tonawanda Creek, 16 km/10 mi north of Buffalo.

The area was settled in 1823, when construction began on the Erie Canal. Tonawanda Township was separated from Buffalo in 1836, and North Tonawanda was incorporated in 1865. In the 1890s, the development of hydroelectric power stimulated industrial growth. Together with Tonawanda, North Tonawanda now serves as a market and distribution centre. Industries here manufacture paper, paints, plastics, and musical instruments (the Wurlitzer keyboard company's plant is in Wurlitzer Park Village, to the northeast).

North Tonawanda

City in northwestern New York State, on the Niagara River and the New York State Barge Canal, 16 km/10 mi north of Buffalo; population (1990) 17,300. Its industries manufacture chemicals, plastics, chains, hoists, paper products, and office supplies.