By the mid-1800s, shipping businesses were looking for additional access points to the Buffalo Harbor. Once completed, the City Ship Canal was immediately successful. 

At the turn of the 20th century, the foot of Main Street in Buffalo saw numerous ships travel through the harbor.

The "idlers" in the foreground are holding down part of the Atlantic Wharf on the north side of the Buffalo River between the Evans Slip and the Commercial Slip.

Foot of Main Street, c. 1900. Old D. L. & W. terminal upper center above.