North Tonawanda, city, Niagara County, western New York, on the Niagara River at the western terminus of the New York State Canal System; incorporated as a city 1897. It forms a manufacturing and distribution center and shares a harbor with the adjoining city of Tonawanda. Diversified products here include chemicals, paint, plastic, metal, paper, and wood items. The area was settled in the early 19th century. The name Tonawanda is derived from an Iroquois term meaning “swift running water.” Population 35,760 (1980); 34,989 (1990); 33,262 (2000).
