Batavia Peace Garden

A garden commemorating the War of 1812 and Batavia's major role in holding back the British after the city of Buffalo burned. Modeled on the International Peace Garden concept, the beautiful flowering strip of land along the Tonawanda Creek will be a physical reminder of the peace that has existed between the U.S. and Canada for the past 200 years. Opened in 2012.

When nearby Niagara County, including Buffalo, lay in ashes from British attack, Batavia (located halfway between Rochester and Buffalo, NY) became the rallying point in the War of 1812.  Families fleeing the devastation were united and sheltered by local residents.  The home of Joseph Ellicott became a hospital and officers’ quarters.  The winter invasion by the British caused terrible hardship and great fear, but Batavia’s citizens proved their mettle, refusing to retreat, even amassing a small army.  In July of 1814 the American Army succeeded in protecting Western New York, but the legacy of resourcefulness and hospitality in Genesee County remain.