Located in what was traditional Seneca nation territory for hundreds of years, the town was named also for a waterfall near its center, where Tonawanda Creek flows over the Onondaga escarpment.

Allied with the British during the American Revolutionary War, the Seneca were forced to cede most of their territory to the United States after it gained independence.

He wrote the final draft of the Confederate surrender terms at Appomattox ending the Civil War.

The "Big Falls" (as they are known locally) are visible when taking a turn onto Gilmore Road, which is nearby the former house of Ely S. Parker.

Route 77 travels North and South, while Tonawanda Creek flows in a westerly direction through the hamlet.