Illustrated Architecture Dictionary

Widow's walk
Also called Captain's walk

A walkway or narrow platform on a roof, esp. on early New England homes with a view of the sea

Examples from Buffalo architecture:

• Illustration above: 165 Chapin Pkwy
  
  
• Ansley Wilcox Mansion / Theodore Roosevelt Inaugural Site

• Lockwood Memorial Library

Other examples:

• Woodford House, Philadelphia ..... FAÇADE