The Politics of Place

Abstract

This article examines the history of landspeculation andinfrastructure develop ment in western New York during the early 19th century. The theoretical framework is basedon the social construction of place as describedby Logan andMolotch, particularly their theories about growth coalitions, the use values andexchange values of place, andthe distribution of power in favor of corporate elite. The Hol landLandCompany andits relationships with the resident population, landown ers, merchants, and government are examined. The study highlights three themes about the politics of place. The first relates to the formation of corporate elite and their power to direct infrastructure development. The second concerns the power of corporate elite to exploit exchange value andthe attempts of local residents to protect use value. The thirdrelates to the intersection of exchange value anduse value, and collaborations between the beneficiaries of each. The development of roads, the Erie Canal, andthe Buffalo Harbor receive particular attention.