Market Square

Market Square Park is a historic public space located in the Black Rock neighborhood of Buffalo, New York. The park dates back to 1830 when General Peter B. Porter donated the land to serve as an open public market for the community. It forms the heart of the Market Square Historic District, which was listed on both the State and National Registers of Historic Places in 2011.

The park consists of linear grassy medians that flank both sides of Amherst Street between Niagara Street and Dearborn Street. These medians are lined with mature elm and oak trees, providing shade and greenery to the urban landscape. The park retains its original footprint from 1830, maintaining the historic integrity of the area.

Market Square Park serves as a central gathering place for the Black Rock community. It connects the public space with the uniform setbacks, sidewalks, and curbing of the surrounding historic district, creating a cohesive village center atmosphere. The park is surrounded by a mix of 19th-century architecture and more modern buildings, including commercial structures, community churches, and residential properties.

In 1945, a monument to Judge George P. Burd was added to the park, further enhancing its role as a place of local historical significance. Today, Market Square Park continues to be a source of pride for Black Rock residents, preserving the look and feel of a traditional village center within the larger urban context of Buffalo.