Black Rock was once an independent town, and was incorporated in 1939 by the city of Buffalo, who had an active port and a greater distance from Canada, the antagonist in the war of 1812.
Black Rock has its name for a mass of black along the Niagara River, which was removed in 20 years to expand the channel. The proximity to the channel made this a port of entry for slaves escaping from under the canal.
Today, Black Rock is an arrival point for trade between Canada and the USA. The industry that this was the beginning of the boats, then replaced by foundries, manufacturing industry and commerce through the canal.