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Interesting Facts
- Although Niagara Falls is well-known for its focus on tourism, the town had a more serious role early on. In the 19th century, it was, notably, the final stop on the Underground Railroad. For slaves making their way from the United States, Niagara Falls served as the welcome threshold to a life of freedom in Canada.
- It's hard to tell, but the falls are actually moving upriver. As water erodes the cliffs beneath, the entire formation creeps back incrementally. Nowadays, engineering has slowed the rate of wear, which has been as much as several feet per year. In the 12,000 years since the falls were created, the formation has shifted a total distance of seven miles. (They were once at Lewiston, NY!)
- Niagara Falls is part of the water system that drains the Great Lakes into the Atlantic Ocean. The four upper lakes (Huron, Superior, Michigan and Erie) empty their waters into the Niagara River, which pushes them over the falls and into low-lying Lake Ontario. From there, they move along the St. Lawrence River and into the ocean. Ships making this same route can circumvent the falls via the Welland Canal.
- Before the installation of the Statue of Liberty, Niagara Falls was a singular symbol of America. Perhaps that connection is why, at one time, headquarters for the United Nations was intended for Navy Island, resting in the waters between the US and Canada. That proposal failed, and the island was also skipped over as a World's Fair destination in 1960 a fact nature lovers are none too sad about these days.
- Although daredevil feats were initially set up by early hotels to attract tourists, the death-defying endeavors became claims to fame for the individuals if they were fortunate enough to survive. Most did not. Ultimately, Niagara's height, rocks, whirlpool and volume of water do not look kindly upon barrels, kayaks or jet skis. Plus, the rare survivor is now met immediately by fines and legal prosecution.
- With such ready spectacle in Niagara, you knew that Hollywood would have to capitalize on it and they have! Most obviously, there's the 1953 film "Niagara," with Marilyn Monroe and Joseph Cotten as newlyweds, but "Superman II" also employed the Falls as a backdrop. In addition, nearby towns like Niagara-on-the-Lake have served as the location for such movies as "The Dead Zone."
- As impressive as they are, the Falls you see today aren't the same ones that early visitors marveled at. In the mid-20th century, Canada and the US began to divert water from the Niagara River to power hydroelectric plants. As a result, water flow was diminished to accommodate energy needs. These days, water is pulled from the Falls constantly, although the largest quantities are diverted at night and during the off-season to mediate the desires of local populace and spectator.
- A single glance around the town of Niagara Falls, and it's evident that tourism is king. In fact, it's almost mandatory, given the sheer beauty of the Falls. However, aside from leisure attractions, the town has other industries as well. Among them are processing foods, manufacturing chemicals and abrasives, and making wine.
- The name for Niagara Falls is derived from an Iroquois term that means "thundering waters," but the city hasn't always shared the same name as the waterfall. Formerly, the town was called "Elgin" and then "Clifton," following an amalgamation of communities. Not until 1881 did the name of the waterfall and the town ultimately coincide.
- Ever since Napoleon's brother took his bride to Niagara Falls, the town has been a favorite with honeymooners. Even today, hotels offer special suites to newlyweds, eager to give them a memorable beginning to their new life together. In fact, Niagara Falls is called the "honeymoon capital of the world," and just-married couples can get a signed certificate from the mayor, along with discounts to local attractions.
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