Niagara Falls
One of the greatest natural wonders of the world; for over a century Niagara Falls has attracted visitors from across the globe. The magnificent waterfalls were formed more than 12,000 years ago when the Niagara river exposed a weak layer in the rock where it flows over. That area was at Lewiston, New York. Eventually the water eroded away more and more rock over time; Going from cataracts, to rapids, then developing into a mighty waterfall. Currently the waterfall does not flow as quickly as before. Human intervention has limted the water flow to prevent damage done by natural erosion, and for hydroelectric projects. The thousands of visitors that come to Niagara Falls would never notice it, unless they come at night when the flow is massively reduced.Honeymoon Capital - It is somewhat of a tradition for newly married couples to visit Niagara Falls. According to local myth, this was started in 1804 when Napoleon Bonaparte's younger brother Jerome, honeymooned there with his American bride.
There are 3 different falls flowing into the Niagara river system: The Canadian Falls (aka. Horseshoe Falls), The American Falls, and The Bridal Veil Falls. The Canadian Falls are located on the Canadian side of the border and are horseshoe shaped. It is separated from the American Falls (U.S. side) by Goat Island. The American Falls have a straight ridge to flow over. U.S. and Canadian politicians came to an agreement in 1950 on how to divide the water that comes down the river. Once that was finalized, both sides built enormous hydroelectric projects to take advantage of the strong water flow.
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The Canadian Falls (Horseshoe Falls) are 167 feet high and 2,500 feet long, with 90 per cent of the water flow.
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The American Falls are 176 feet high and 1,100 feet long with 10% of the water flow.
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Water for the Canadian hydroelectric station flows directly into two different tunnels which are five-miles long, 45 feet in diameter and 330 feet deep.
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In 1678 Father Louis Hennepin (French missionary), became the first person to document the existance of Niagara Falls.
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In 1757 Daniel Chabert Joncaire built a saw-mill at Niagara Falls.
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In 1860 the local community started illuminating the falls at night. At that time they used flares, then eventually used floodlights.
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In 1882 the Schoellkopf Power Station was built.
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In 1895 the first hydroelectric power station is built at Niagara Falls, transmitting electricity for only 300 feet.
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In 1896 Nikola Tesla developed a technology (Tesla Coil) which helped transmit electricity from Niagara Falls to Buffalo, New York.
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In early 1938, the Honeymoon Bridge collapsed due to ice build-up at the river below.
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In 1956 the Schoellkopf Power Station collapsed into the river after it was hit by a small earthquake rock slide.
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In 1958 the Sir Adam Beck-Niagara power station was constructed on the Canadian side.
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In 1963 the Robert Moses-Niagara Power Plant was constructed on the American side.
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In 1969, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers builds an expensive dam to shut off the American Falls and study erosion issues. It is decided to let nature follow its natural course.
To stand beside the Falls of Niagara and to hear the incessant roaring thunder and to feel the earth moving to the vibration of the sheer volume of water is to understand the grandeur and dynamism of Niagara Falls.
Niagara originates from the Neutral Indian name "Ongniaahra"
meaning: "Thunder of Waters"
Niagara Falls is the third greatest waterfall in the world in terms of volume of water:
Boyoma [Stanley] Falls - Congo - 17,000 m3/sec
Khone Falls - Laos - 11,610 m3/sec
Horseshoe Falls - Niagara Falls - 5,830m3/sec
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