THE FIRST FRENCH EXPLORERS When Samuel de Champlain arrived in Ontario in 1615, the Hurons were at war with the Iroquois. The Neutrals of the Niagara region were on good terms with both sides although the presence of war parties from both nations must have made the situation a precarious one. Champlain led a war […]

The first barrel trip over the Falls was made by Annie Edson Taylor, a school teacher from Bay City Michigan, on October 4, 1901. Annie’s barrel was curiously constructed, tapered almost to a point at the bottom and bound with metal hoops. It was padded with pillows and had a 45.4 kg (100 lb.) anvil in its bottom to keep it upright as it floated downriver.

First Explorers The first written mention of Niagara Falls was made by Jacques Cartier who left France in May of 15 35 on an exploration journey. Reaching the St. Lawrence River he named it after the Saint of the same name. Here he enquired of the Indians about the source of the river and was […]

This is a version of a story that is told by the people of the Six Nations. The “standard” Maid of the Mist story that is commonly told in Niagara today is not actually a Native American story at all. It was, apparently, the invention of a 19th century European anthropologist. Its themes of cruel […]

While it is not certain how long there have been people living in the Niagara area, estimates usually range between 5000 and 8000 years. Little is known about the earliest inhabitants of the region, but later residents have left a rich and exciting history. By the 1st century A.D., ancestors of the present-day “Iroguoian” peoples were firmly established in the area. Approximately 1500 years later their descendants reached a major turning point in their history when they took park in the formation of the “Great League of Peace”.

Niagara Falls History The most interesting events and facts in history of Niagara Falls. See how Niagara was created, about famous people visiting Niagara Niagara Falls history article is about creation, how the most famous waterfalls were created, first settlers, Niagara development, famous people, including Nikola Tesla, and other history highlights. We will also cover the […]

 Chronology of the important dates. Facts, events and famous people in Niagara Falls history History of Niagara Falls is the article about chronology of the important history facts, dates, events and people visiting the waterfalls, from the formation to the modern days. History of Niagara Falls – Events from thousands of years ago 18 000 […]

Biography of Laura Secord In Canada, the name Laura Secord is inextricably linked with chocolates, sweets and ice cream. But many Canadians are unaware that the famous confectionery is named for a heroine of the War of 1812. Laura Ingersoll was born in 1775 to a wealthy Massachusetts family. Her father supported the patriot side […]

By day and by night, frontward and back, his feet in baskets, his head in a sack, he crossed the torrent on a cable—190 feet up By LLOYD GRAHAM On Thursday, June 30, 1859, the atmosphere at Niagara Falls was charged with excitement. A slightly built Frenchman, dressed in tights and carrying a long balancing pole, […]

Long ago, the peaceful tribe of the Ongiaras lived beside the Niagara River. For an unknown reason, Indians were dying, and it was believed that the tribe must appease the Thunder God Hinum, who lived with his two sons in a cave behind the Falls. At first, the Indians sent canoes laden with fruit, flowers […]