Remembering Joseph, the First Black Settler In the Buffalo Area

On April 20, 2024, the city of Buffalo turned 192 years old. It was on April 20, 1832, that the state of New York allowed the village of Buffalo to become a city. In celebrating this milestone, this columnist would like to remember Joseph Hodge, the first Black settler in the Buffalo area. The book that I wrote in 1982 called “Buffalo’s Black Community” included him as a pioneer and the first Black businessman in the Western New York area. It is my hope that one day he will be recognized for his contributions to Buffalo.

In my book, I noted that he was called “Black Joe” by the Native Americans. He was helpful to the early white settlers because he knew the land and could speak the Seneca language fluently. He became one of the first Black business owners in Buffalo. He owned a fur trading business and a tavern. His knowledge of the Seneca language allowed him to trade easily with the Seneca people and act as an interpreter for other settlers. His trading post was near Buffalo Creek for over 20 years and many historians credit him with shaping the region into a trading center that contributed to Buffalo for many years.

It is believed that Hodge came to this area in the early 1700s. He married a Seneca woman that further united him with the Seneca nation. His tavern was the first of its kind in the Buffalo area. Research has shown that his home is now covered by the 1-190 overpass between the Explore and More Children’s Museum near the old Memorial Auditorium site and the Seneca One Tower.

As the population in Buffalo increased, Joseph Hodge and his wife moved south. In various writings He was mentioned as living in or being in the area of Cattaragus County. Some historians believe that Hodge would have been a friend of the great Seneca leader Red Jacket and many other leaders who sought a peaceful relationship with the Native Americans.

There is a historical marker at the Hanover boat launch at Sunset Bay remembering Joseph Hodge. The marker includes the following: “Joseph Hodge ‘Black Joe’ helped many early travelers and settlers with basic supplies and needs on their journey west. You can see this marker online. It was erected by the Hanover History Center, Town of Hanover. As we celebrate the birthday of Buffalo, let’s also remember Joseph Hodge – the first Black citizen of Western New York!!”