You may have heard the news on Wednesday about a car somehow getting into Niagara's rivers, ending up near the edge of the American Falls, followed by a dramatic recovery effort by the US Coast Guard Station Niagara. After police used a drone for closer inspection, it was determined at least one person was in the vehicle. With their helicopter hovering over the vehicle and just 50 yards from the brink, they were able to retrieve a woman in her 60s.
Petty Officer 2nd class Derrian Duryea was lowered down to the car while the river raged and the water freezing cold. Anything could have gone wrong in those few moments. Thankfully, he was able to successfully get the passenger out safely. Since then, the story has gone viral around the world. While tragic to witness the recovery of a body, I also saw the incredible bravery and skill involved in doing so. Well done, Station Niagara! That was the bravest thing I've seen anybody do in a long time and was inspiring. Sending my condolences to this woman's family at this time.
You've probably noticed my screen name. I've been using the pseudonym 'Sweptoverniagara' for years and the reason is because I grew up there, on the Canadian side. I called Niagara home for over 30 years and there are many tales of 'accidents' at the falls. One tale comes to mind of a fellow on a jetski in 1995 who thought he could jet to the edge of the falls, throw himself off, pull his parachute and paraglide down the gorge......... but down he went! There are photos that exist.
The story of the car in the water by the edge of the American Falls earlier this week continues to evolve and it now appears the car was driven into the icy waters intentionally. From personal experience having lived in Niagara for most of my life, there have been many on both sides of the falls who have chosen Niagara as their way out. It's sad but true. Even native tales from centuries before tell of Niagara 'drawing' people to their deaths, including the 'maid of the mist'.
Even deer have been seen going over the falls. There are small islands up river that deer sometimes swim to and from. Occasionally, the river proves too strong for them (usually in winter) but this doesn't happen often, fortunately.
On more positive note, it's a beautiful place and is incredibly rich in history. Over the years, Niagara has been visited by hundreds of millions of people from around the world and the Upper and Lower Rivers of Niagara are an official boundary between the USA and Canada. It actually consists of three waterfalls, the Bridal Veil falls (the smallest), the American Falls and on the Canadian side, the Horseshoe Falls.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, situated at the mouth of the lower Niagara River was once the capitol of Upper Canada. During the War of 1812, Canadians and Americans would shoot across the river at each other... but usually always miss because muskets weren't accurate and the river was quite wide. Instead, they usually yelled out and taunted each other for fun. Fortunately, the war didn't last too long and was over by January, 1815. It is the only time we ever shot at each other, thankfully.
The 1800s saw Niagara grow into a manufacturing hub with mills set up all along the gorge, close to the cataracts to harness the power of Niagara's flowing waters. Giant waterwheels were a common site and by the late 1800s, small scale electric power was being generated. In the early 1880s, Niagara was illuminated for the first time. There is so much more to Niagara's electric generating capabilities. I've placed interesting links below on the subject.
There are those that have gone over in barrels and there have been many who have crossed on tightropes with Blondin probably being the most famous. Not too many people can jump over themselves and land back on their two feet while on a tightrope over the middle of the Great Gorge of Niagara. The last to walk a tightrope was Nick Wallenda when he walked across on June 15, 2012. I was there to witness the event along with another 100,000 people and it was great to see everything go so well.
Buffalo Bill's Wild Wild West Show came to Niagara Falls in the early 1890's. Calamity Jane was part of the roster, pointing a pistol over her shoulder and using a mirror, shoot an apple behind her, usually held up by a very brave assistant. William Cary was also there. He was famous in his day for riding along with General Custer's Cavalry, penciling drawings and sending them back to Harper's Weekly for publishing. Just before the Battle at Little Big Horn, he rode off to the next town to mail drawings of his adventures. By doing so, he narrowly escaped certain death and was one of only a handful of people to actually see the bodies where they lay. Quite the story to tell.
Marilyn Monroe filmed at Niagara. So has Geena Davis and Samuel Jackson and of course the late great Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder. In fact, my older sister was an extra in Superman II. Niagara is without a doubt, one of the most famous places on Earth and attracts many famous people too. John and Yoko paid a visit as did Princess Diana along with her two sons. Other famous names include Thomas Edison and Nicola Tesla.
Niagara is beautiful in summer. Visit the Horticultural Center along the lower river and go for a walk in their carefully manicured gardens. Visit in winter to enjoy the Winter Festival of Lights. If it's too cold, you could always step into Fallsview Casino and try your luck at the slots.
There is so much more about Niagara. Visit the links I've placed in the references section to learn more interesting facts.
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