The Village of Williamsville was incorporated in 1850 and is one of more than 550 incorporated villages in New York State. Although it encompasses just one square mile, the Village has played an important role in the history and development of Western New York. Most of the Village lies within the Town of Amherst, with its southeastern corner extending into the Town of Cheektowaga.
The community traces its origins to the early 1800s, when Jonas Williams recognized the potential of Ellicott Creek as a source of waterpower. After establishing a gristmill and later a sawmill along the creek, the settlement became known as Williams Mills, reflecting the industries that fueled its early growth. Located at the crossroads of the main road connecting Buffalo and Batavia, today’s Main Street, the community quickly developed into an important center of commerce, transportation, and manufacturing. Flour mills, sawmills, and other water-powered industries attracted residents, businesses, and travelers, helping Williams Mills grow into one of the region’s most active early settlements. As the community continued to expand, the name gradually evolved from Williams Mills to Williamsville, reflecting its transition from a milling settlement to a growing village.
By the turn of the twentieth century, Williamsville began shifting away from its industrial identity and into a primarily residential community. Improvements to roads, railroads, and other transportation networks strengthened connections to the City of Buffalo, making it possible for residents to live in the Village while commuting to work elsewhere. As a result, farmland surrounding the historic mill district was gradually subdivided into residential neighborhoods, and development expanded well beyond the original commercial and industrial core while preserving the character that continues to define the Village today.
Recognizing the importance of preserving this rich heritage, the Village of Williamsville Historical Society was established in 1976 to promote awareness of the community’s history and ensure its preservation for future generations.
On May 9, 1983, the Village Board of Trustees adopted the Historic Preservation Code to promote awareness of landmarks with historic, cultural, social, and architectural significance while safeguarding the heritage, character, and quality of life that make Williamsville unique.
To carry out this mission, the Village established the Historic Preservation Commission (HPC). The Commission identifies, researches, and evaluates potential landmark properties before making recommendations to the Village Board of Trustees, which designates landmarks following a public hearing. Today, 34 individual properties, including the Village Meeting House and the Williamsville Water Mill, have been designated as local landmarks, helping preserve the Village’s unique history for future generations.
Click here for the Historic Preservation Commission page.
The Williamsville Historical Society serves as the historian of the Village of Williamsville.