Niagara Falls History

Visitors are often surprised by Niagara's fascinating history and rich cultural heritage. The War of 1812 was a turning point in Niagara Falls history, when the fledgling United States army fought British Loyalists for the new lands that would become Canada. Niagara historical sites, battlefields, museums and military re-creations are a memorable journey into the past.

From Fort Erie, south of Niagara Falls, to Niagara-on-the-Lake, north of Niagara Falls, you can visit the past, carefully restored and recreated. At Fort Erie, authentically dressed guides in 1812 period costume re-create life in this former British garrison. Fort Erie was also an entry point for freedom-seeking black slaves escaping persecution in the U.S. The point of entry into Canada from Buffalo, across the Niagara River, was known as "The Crossing" and the start of the Freedom Trail, part of the Underground Railroad.

There are innumerable stops for those interested in the history of the area including Brock's Monument, a tribute to the British General who lost his life at the Battle of Queenston in 1812; Old Fort Niagara with fortifications from the 18th, 19th and 20th Centuries; and Fort George, the British headquarters during the War of 1812.

Other interesting facts from Niagara Falls' history:

• Niagara Falls received its reputation as the "Honeymoon Capital of the World" when Aaron Burr's daughter-Theodosia-chose a Niagara Falls honeymoon in 1801. She was followed up by Jerome Bonaparte, Napoleon's brother, in 1804 and thus, a tradition was born. Now over 50,000 Niagara honeymoons are arranged each year.
• In 1848, Niagara Falls actually stopped flowing for 30 hours when ice fields from Lake Erie jammed at the source of the river.
• Marilyn Monroe visited the falls to film portions of the thriller Niagara Falls, released in 1953. Other notable visitors have included King George the V in 1939 and Princess Diana with her sons in 1991. Read about some of these visits on our blog.
• The first person to attempt to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel was a 63-year-old woman. Seeking fame and fortune, schoolteacher Annie Taylor loaded herself - and her cat - up in a barrel and descended over the falls in 1901. She survived. A new Niagara Daredevil exhibit, with barrels and all, is available at the IMAX Niagara Theatre.