During the first half of the twentieth century, Buffalo was a major, if not the major grain handling port in North America. To process this vast amount of grain, the grain elevator was invented, and starting in the late 1800's, were made of concrete. Many of these elevators survive today, however many sit idle, or are abandoned completely. A few still operate as grain elevators. They sit on Buffalo's waterfront, a reminder of the greatness that was once Buffalo's.