Buffalo () is a city in and the seat of Erie County in Western New York. Located in the U.S. state of New York on the eastern shore of Lake Erie at the head of the Niagara River. , Buffalo is the state's second most populous city after the city it is named for, with 256,902 residents. The metropolitan area has a population of 1.13 million, while the larger, cross-border Buffalo Niagara Region includes 8 U.S. counties and 2 Canadian municipalities and has a population of 2,493,869. 

Buffalo grew significantly in the 19th and 20th centuries as a result of the Erie Canal, railroads and Lake Erie, providing an abundance of fresh water and an ample trade route to the midwestern United States, while grooming its economy for the grain, steel and automobile industries during the 20th century. After an economic downturn in the latter half of the 20th century, Buffalo's economy has transitioned to sectors that include financial services, technology, biomedical engineering and education. 

Buffalo is known as "The Queen City", "The Nickel City" and "The City of Good Neighbors". Its residents are called Buffalonians. 

The city of Buffalo received its name from a nearby creek called Buffalo Creek. British military engineer Captain John Montresor made reference to 'Buffalo Creek' in his journal of 1764, which may be the earliest recorded appearance of the name. There are several theories regarding how Buffalo Creek received its name. While it is possible that Buffalo Creek's name originated from French fur traders and Native Americans calling the creek "Beau Fleuve" (French for "Beautiful River"), it is also possible Buffalo Creek was named for the American buffalo, whose historical range may have extended into western New York.
what city is Erie County located?
where is that?
what is the population?
what is one body of water nearby?
and where is that?
how do they rank for population in NY?
what encouraged the city's growth?
when?
what else helped them grow?
anything else?
what about the railroad?
Buffalo
Buffalo () is a city in and the seat of Erie County
in Western New York.
Buffalo () is a city in and the seat of Erie County in Western New York.
256,902
Buffalo is the state's second most populous city after the city it is named for, with 256,902 residents
Lake Erie
state of New York on the eastern shore of Lake Erie
at the head of the Niagara River
 at the head of the Niagara River
Buffalo is the state's second most populous city
Buffalo is the state's second most populous city after the city it is named for
the Erie Canal
Buffalo grew significantly in the 19th and 20th centuries as a result of the Erie Canal,
in the 19th and 20th centuries
 in the 19th and 20th centuries as a result of the Erie Canal,
the steel and automobile industries
 steel and automobile industries during the 20th century
the grain industry
while grooming its economy for the grain, steel and automobile industries
yes
railroads and Lake Erie