Grand Island is a town and an island in Erie County, New York, USA. As of the 2000 census, the town population was 18,621. The current town name derives from the French name "La Grande Ile," as Grand Island is the largest island in the Niagara River. The phrase "La Grande Ile" appears on the town seal.
The Town of Grand Island is located at the northwestern corner of the county. The town is northwest of Buffalo, New York. Interstate 190 and New Y...
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Grand Island is a town and an island in Erie County, New York, USA. As of the 2000 census, the town population was 18,621. The current town name derives from the French name "La Grande Ile," as Grand Island is the largest island in the Niagara River. The phrase "La Grande Ile" appears on the town seal.
The Town of Grand Island is located at the northwestern corner of the county. The town is northwest of Buffalo, New York. Interstate 190 and New York State Route 324 cross the island.
In the early historical period of the island, the 16th century, French explorers found the Neutral Indians living on the island. By 1651, the Senecas had destroyed this tribe and absorbed some of the survivors. The Seneca used the island for hunting and fishing.
In 1764, as part of the Treaty of Cession after the French and Indian War the island became part of the British colonies in North America.
In 1815, New York State purchased Grand Island and other small islands in the Niagara River from the Iroquois...
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