Buffalo Steamboat Port & Ferry Crossing

The Buffalo port for traveling steamboats was one of the most busy places in Buffalo. Travelers would dock here to stop and enjoy the town and stay the night in the Buffalo Hotel. The site over the years has been almost untouched as the river and nature reclaim the site of a booming port and a mysterious fire that is still unsolved to this day.

The Buffalo port for steamships traveling the Kanawha river was one of the most busy places in town. The steamboats bringing passengers, mail, goods, and tired workers would stop and spend time off the steamers. Walking off the steamboats into a booming town with shops lining the streets, restaurants and friendly locals made Buffalo a river-life must stop location. The most remember-able time of the port though, remains a mystery to this day. On July 26th, 1908 the 117 foot long, 21.6 foot wide stream boat named Neva was docked at Buffalo when the town heard her whistle blowing. The steamship had mysteriously caught a blaze and burned at the waters edge. Practically the entire town came to aid at the sounding of her whistle that had been activated when something fell across its lanyard arm and continued until the boats boilers ran out of steam. The Neva was salvaged and eventually used to build the C. C. Boyer. Even-though the fire destroyed the Neva, it didn't slow down the visitors that made Buffalo's port a must stop on their river voyages. 

Local Historian Society Private Interview