A. E. Richmond
The New Wonder of the World: Buffalo, the Electric City
"The New Wonder of the World: Buffalo, the Electric City" by A. E. Richmond is a historical account that captures the transformative era of Buffalo, New York, during the late 19th century. Written in the early 1890s, the book focuses on Buffalo's evolution into a burgeoning industrial center driven by the advent of electrical power generated from Niagara Falls. It presents Buffalo as a city poised for remarkable growth and economic prosperity, detailing its extraordinary resources, transportation networks, and the promise of cheap electricity. The book delves into the potential that Niagara's electric power holds for Buffalo's industry. Richmond discusses the burgeoning manufacturing landscape, highlighting various sectors such as grain, coal, and livestock, which thrive on the city's strategic location and superior shipping facilities. He envisions a future where Buffalo attracts a significant influx of industries and population, cultivating a clean and efficient environment unmarred by the pollution associated with traditional fuel sources. The narrative embodies a sense of optimism about Buffalo's progression towards becoming a major manufacturing hub—dubbed the "Electric City"—by harnessing the inexhaustible power of the Falls.