Tag Archives: Niagara Falls History

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Voyage Into Niagara Falls’ Boat Touring History

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The ice boom on the Niagara River began its retreat recently which means that the opening of Niagara City Cruises (Hornbower on the Canadian side), and the Maid of the Mist (US side) is here!

Niagara City Cruises (Hornblower) opens March 28th, 2024 for the season and the Maid of the Mist is tentatively opening April 4th, 2024 with bookable dates starting now.

Both of these Niagara Falls Boat Tours are tremendously popular tourist attractions and are not to be missed this Spring!

Continue reading to review the timeline of the original Maid of the Mist boat tour (North America’s oldest tourist attraction), progressing to our current date which includes the addition of the Niagara City Cruises (Hornblower) boat tours.

1846 – The Maid of the Mist Ferry Service Launched

Crossing the Niagara River in order to transport people was unheard of until the introduction of small boats in 1834. On May 27th, 1846, the very first Maid of the Mist boat was first introduced, but not as a tourist attraction. It ferried people, cargo, and mail across the river for a small fee. However, making money in this regard was short-lived after the first Niagara Falls Suspension Bridge was completed.

1848 saw a temporary bridge introduced, and in 1854 a lower deck was opened for pedestrian and carriage purposes. Taking money away from the ferry, it was decided to turn the Maid of the Mist into a tourist attraction, allowing people to get as close to the Falls as possible.

Maid of the Mist Boat Tour – 1st Generation (1854-1860)

On July 14th, 1854, a new Maid of the Mist was launched. This one was 72 feet long and featured a paddle boat engine rather than a sidewheel steam engine.

With business dwindling mainly as the result of the onslaught of the American Civil War (1861-1865), the boat was sold at a public auction to a Montreal firm in 1861.

However, the boat had to be successfully delivered to Lake Ontario, which meant it had to be navigated through the Great Gorge Rapids, the Whirlpool, and the Lower Rapids.

Captain Robinson undertook the frightening task on June 6th, 1861, and successfully made it through the rapids (although lost the smoke stack in the process).

Service was not restored until 1885 under a new partnership: The Maid of the Mist Steamboat Company.

Maid of the Mist Boat Tour 2nd Generation: 1885 – 1955

The second generation Maid of the Mist was launched in June of 1885 which reached closer to the Horseshoe Falls than its previous counterparts.

Then, an additional boat was unveiled in 1892 on the American side. These boats sailed until April 22, 1955, when they burned in an accident on the Canadian side.

Maid of the Mist Boat Tour 3rd Generation (1955 – 1990)

On July 28th, 1955, a third generation Maid of the Mist I (1955–1990) was introduced to replace the destroyed vessels — this time, it was made of steel and powered by diesel engines.

In June 1956, an additional Maid of the Mist steel boat was added to the fleet and was christened the Maid of the Mist II (1956 – 1983)

On July 9th, 1960 the Maid of the Mist II contributed to the heroic saving of 7 year old Roger Woodward, the boy who became the first person to survive a plunge over the Horseshoe Falls wearing only a life jacket. The Maid of the Mist II was just making its turn below the Falls when a crew member spotted the boy.

Captain Clifford Keech maneuvered the boat so the crew could successfully save Roger, who luckily only sustained a minor concession, and was in hospital for only 3 days. In 1983, the Maid of the Mist II was sold and it served as a Missionary ship on the Amazon River.

Maid of the Mist Boat Tour 4th Generation (1972 – Now)

Maid of the Mist III:
1972–1997

Maid of the Mist III takes to the water, carrying 210 passengers. This boat is a 65-foot-long, 65-ton vessel powered by two 250-horsepower diesel engines.

Maid of the Mist IV:
1976-2013

Maid of the Mist IV, a 300-passenger boat, is introduced. The new boat is 72 feet long, 24 feet wide, weighs 74 tons and is powered by two 250-horsepower diesel engines.

Maid of the Mist V:
1983-2013

Maid of the Mist V gives passengers the thrill of their lives. It’s all steel, 72 feet long, weighs 74 tons and powered by two 335-horsepower diesel engines to safely carry 300 passengers.

Maid of the Mist VI:
1990 – Present

In 1990, the Maid of the Mist VI was launched into service. The 145 tonne, 80 foot all steel double deck boat is capable of carrying 600 passengers at a time!

This made it the 10th Maid of the Mist boat to contribute to the Niagara Falls Boat Tours — and the largest, which is still running today. Accompanying boat VI was the addition of the Maid of the Mist VII on July 11th, 1997 (also still running today) at 80 feet and with the capacity to carry 600 passengers as well.

New York State Governor Saves the Maid in Late 2012

On December 4th, 2012, New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo visited Niagara Falls, New York to make a major announcement: An agreement between Cuomo’s administration and the Maid of the Mist calls for the company to pay for $32 million in upgrades near the site of the former Schoellkopf power plant to turn the area into a winter storage dock for its two-boat American fleet.

On Thursday, October 26th, 2013, the Maid of the Mist did its final boat tour on the Canadian side. The business continues to operate from the US side of the gorge and departs from its dock just beyond the Rainbow Bridge. The Canadian side was replaced by Hornblower Niagara Cruises, a California-based company at the start of Spring of 2014.

Maid of the Mist Boat Tour 5th Generation (Launched 2019)

New-build emission-free vessels was launched during 2019 season

In 2019, the Maid of the Mist launched the first two new all-electric, zero-emission passenger vessels constructed in the United States. The new catamaran-style vessels will provide more than 1.6 million guests from around the world with an up-close, iconic view of Niagara Falls. The vessels feature a wide stance, resulting in a smooth, quiet ride, allowing them to better enjoy the roar and majesty of Niagara Falls.

ABB, a pioneering technology leader in digital industries, will supply a comprehensive integrated power and propulsion solution for the newbuild vessels, including lithium-ion battery packs and an onshore charging system, enabling sustainable operation with maximum reliability.

Powered by ABB’s zero-emission technology, the two fully-electric vessels will take tourists to the heart of the Niagara Falls, undisturbed by engine noise or exhaust fumes. Batteries will be recharged for seven minutes after each trip to 80 percent capacity, allowing for maximum efficiency and battery life.

Maid of the Mist VI (1990) and Maid of the Mist VII (1997), were removed from service when the new vessels began operating.

Niagara City Cruises (Formery Hornblower): Launched in 2014

Niagara City Cruises (Hornblower) offers two catamarans that carry approximately 700 people, and a third charter boat reserved specifically for private functions that carries approximately 150 passengers.

The Niagara City Cruises official ribbon cutting ceremony took place on Wednesday, May 14th, 2014 which showcased speeches by the Niagara City Cruises (Hornblower) CEO, Terry MacRae, Niagara Falls Mayor Jim Diodati, Mory DiMaurizo, General Manager of Niagara Cruises and the Niagara Parks Commission chair, Janice Thomson. It officially opened the following day to excited crowds.

Wearing their red ponchos, locals and tourists alike flocked the Niagara City Cruise Plaza to become a part of history on its grand opening day. The distinct differentiation between the Niagara City Cruises and the Maid of the Mist docked on the US side, is the swarm of customers wearing red (Niagara City Cruises) and blue (Maid of the Mist) ponchos. Both these Niagara Falls boat tours are anticipating another exciting season. This past Winter season saw far less ice form on Lake Erie, which flows into the Niagara River. With the Niagara City Cruises (Hornblower) running and Maid of the Mist soon to launch in April.

This is the 9th season for Niagara City Cruises (Hornblower), and — wait for it — the 177th year for Maid of the Mist.

Facts, History, List

International Women’s Day: 5 Women Who Made an Impact in Niagara Falls

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Get ready to embark on a journey honoring exceptional women who’ve left an indelible mark on the rich depth of Niagara Falls history. As we approach International Women’s Day on March 8th, 2024, it’s time to shine a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of these five inspiring figures. From social and economic achievements to cultural and political influence, these women have played a pivotal role in shaping the narrative of Niagara Falls. Join us in celebrating their legacy and the countless ways they’ve shaped the community we know today.

Annie Edson Taylor

For her 63rd birthday on October 24th, 1901, Annie Taylor became the first woman and the first person ever to successfully conquer the Niagara Falls in a barrel. Taylor used a custom-made barrel for her trip, constructed of oak and iron and padded with a mattress.
She was hoping to achieve fame and riches. She did assume fame for sure, but unfortunately she died in poverty on April 29, 1921 at the age of 82.

After her 20 minute minute trip within the barrel, she told the press:

“If it was with my dying breath, I would caution anyone against attempting the feat… I would sooner walk up to the mouth of a cannon, knowing it was going to blow me to pieces than make another trip over the Falls.” – Annie Taylor

Laura Secord

Laura Secord was a Canadian heroine during the War of 1812. She is known for having walked 20 miles (32 km) out of American-occupied territory in 1813 to warn British forces of an impending American attack.

On June 21st, 1813, Laura Secord overheard of plans for a surprise American attack on British troops at Beaver Dams, which would have gained more American control in the Niagara region. As her husband was still recovering from his own war injuries, Secord set out herself early the next morning to warn the Lieutenant. She walked from present-day Queenston through St. Davids, Homer, Shipman’s Corners and Short Hills at the Niagara Escarpment before she arrived at the camp of allied Mohawk warriors who led her the rest of the way to the headquarters at the DeCew House. A small British force and a larger contingent of Mohawk warriors were then readied for the American attack.

The Real “Maid of the Mist”

Have you ever wondered how the “Maid of the Mist” got its name?

There’s a Native American Myth behind it.

There are a few different variations, but one is that a young and suicidal Seneca Native girl, named Lelawala, entered a canoe with every intention of going over the Falls after the loss of her husband. She was rescued by “Heno” the Thunder God, who invited her to live with him and his sons under the Falls. Under secrecy, the sons told her of a dangerous serpent that lived under the water. The serpent would poison the water in which her people drank from. Anxiously, she returned to tell her people that they were to drink only from the springs and when the night of the serpent’s visit arrived, they were to destroy the god snake with spears, tomahawks, bows and arrows. They successfully battled the snake and upon returning to his lair in the river, the snake got his head caught on one side of the river and its tail got caught on the other side. In its violent death throes, it formed a semi-circle in the shape of a horseshoe on the brink resulting in the Horseshoe Falls.

Lelawala returned to the cave of the God Heno, where she reigns to this day as the Maid of the Mist.

Maria Spelterini

Maria Spelterini was a 23-year-old Italian tightrope walker who was and still is the only woman to cross the Niagara Gorge on a tightrope, which she did on July 8, 1876 as part of a celebration of the U.S. Centennial.

She crossed by using a 5.7 cm wire located just north of the lower suspension bridge.

After the first success, Maria Spelterini began to up the ante. On July 12th 1876, Spelterini crossed wearing peach baskets strapped to her feet (see above photo). One week later, she crossed blind folded and only three days later, Spelterini crossed with her ankles and wrists handcuffed.

On July 26th 1876, Maria Spelterini made her farewell crossing in Niagara Falls.

Theodosia Burr Alston

*Portrait by John Vanderlyn*

Theodosia Burr Alston was born on June 21, 1783, and was the daughter of US Vice President Aaron Burr. In 1801, she married Joseph Alston, a wealthy landowner from South Carolina. 

Under her suggestion, they honeymooned at Niagara Falls, becoming the first recorded couple to do so. After this, they inspired Jerome Bonaparte, Napoleon’s younger brother, and his bride, Elizabeth Patterson, to honeymoon at the Falls 3 years later. This became the start of a trend — and Niagara Falls soon became known as the “Honeymoon Capital of the World.”

Facts, History, News

Discover the Frozen Beauty: Vintage Winter Snapshots of Niagara Falls

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Niagara Falls, a majestic wonder that captivates in every season, unveils a unique charm during the winter freeze. Transport yourself back in time as we delve into a mesmerizing collection of vintage photographs capturing the icy allure of the Falls from as early as the 1860s.

A Glimpse of Days Past: Exploring Historic Frozen Views

Prospect Point, 1860s

Early visitors to Prospect Point grace the foreground, with the iconic photostand of Platt D. Babbitt in the backdrop. Babbitt, an acclaimed American photographer born in 1822, carved his legacy with captivating daguerreotypes and ambrotypes of Niagara Falls. This frozen snapshot from the 1860s is a testament to Babbitt’s pioneering work, offering a unique glimpse into the region’s early photographic history. (Photo courtesy of the Niagara Falls Library)

Winter Wonderland Journey, 1885

Captured by Herman F. Nielson in 1885, this photograph showcases Niagara Falls in the midst of winter. Imagine a time when the falls would freeze sufficiently to create an ice bridge, spanning around 30 to 100 feet deep. Fearless individuals ventured onto the frozen expanse, traversing from one side to the other. The frozen beauty becomes a canvas for exploration and shared experiences. (Photo courtesy of Historic Niagara Falls)

Concession Stands on Ice, 1910

In the winter of 1910, the frozen landscape of Niagara Falls transformed into a bustling marketplace on ice. Concessionaires, braving the elements, set up huts and shanties made of wood on the frozen bridge. These makeshift stalls offered a variety of treats, from warm tea and coffee to souvenirs and even liquor. The photograph not only freezes a moment in time but captures the entrepreneurial spirit amidst the icy grandeur. (Photo courtesy of Niagara Falls Archives)

Frozen Wonderland Expedition, 1903

An intrepid adventurer stands beneath the icicled Niagara Falls, surrounded by an enchanting frozen wonderland. The photo, circa 1903, encapsulates the allure of exploring the icy domes beneath the falls, creating a magical tableau that echoes through the ages. (Photo by Buyenlarge/Getty Images)

Icy Spectacle of 1885

A frozen panorama of Niagara Falls in 1885 transports us back to an era where nature’s grandeur embraced the wintry chill. The cascading waters suspended in icy stillness evoke a serene yet powerful spectacle that defines the essence of winter at the falls. (Photo courtesy of Vintage Niagara Collection

Step Into the Past: Reliving Niagara’s Winter Magic

These vintage photographs not only freeze moments in time but also transport us to an era where the frozen beauty of Niagara Falls became a canvas for exploration, commerce, and pure wonder. As you immerse yourself in these captivating snapshots, let the icy allure of Niagara Falls in winter weave a timeless tale of nature’s grandeur.

Events, Facts, History, News

In Remembrance of Niagara Falls War Veteran, Russell Sanderson

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Russell Sanderson, who lived in Niagara Falls most of his life, passed away on February 10th, 2016 at the age of 90. Russell was a veteran of the Second World War and a former sniper and scout of The Black Watch Royal Highland Regiment of Canada.

His wife, Marie, will still carry on the tradition of visiting the war memorial (located at the bottom of Clifton Hill at the entrance of Queen Victoria Park). He visited every year since 1986 to pay respects to the friends that he lost in his regiment.

In Remembrance of Niagara Falls War Veteran, Russell Sanderson

One of the benches near the Cenotaph is named in honour of Russell Sanderson and those who have served their country, donated by Bob Gale who is involved in many volunteer and philanthropic endeavors to benefit the community.

Sanderson was one of the few veterans alive that was able to mark the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the Netherlands by making the trip to the Holten Canadian War Cemetery, near Arnhem, Netherlands in 2015.

*Pictured Above: Clifton Hill Cenotaph*

More than 7,600 Canadians lost their lives freeing the Netherlands from Nazi oppression in the months and weeks leading up to the Germans’ Second World War surrender on May 5, 1945, and each year there are Canadian veterans that visit Holland to commemorate the sacrifices they made, plus receive gratitude from the Dutch people. Sanderson was one of those people.

Russell remembers one day in April, 1945 in Groningen, Netherlands, that he stumbled face-to-face all alone with dozens of German soldiers with no Canadian help around. He had to persevere in order to trick the Germans into thinking there was a Canadian force approaching. He ran out into the streets waving his arms and hollering as if he had all the support just around the corner. It worked, and the German group turned away — in turn saving his life.

Sanderson spent the last 10 years living in Hamilton (but still visited the Clifton Hill Cenotaph annually on Remembrance Day), and passed away at St. Peter’s Hospital. He was the cherished husband of Marie Sanderson, father of Gary and step-father of Tony, Paul and Maria. He was the grandfather of Kyler and great-grandfather of Russell. He is sadly missed by his extended family in both Canada and The Netherlands. He was predeceased by his first wife Rose Marie.

Service will continue as usual on Remembrance Day to commemorate all our past and living veterans, including remembering Russell Sanderson, at the Clifton Hill Cenotaph at 11:00 am on Friday, November 11th. Please feel free to attend.

Lest We Forget: Remembrance Day 2023
The City of Niagara Falls is hosting a Remembrance Day Service to honour those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our liberties.

On November 11, at 10:45 a.m., a service will be place at the Cenotaph opposite the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Fairview Cemetery (4501 Stanley Avenue). Residents who are unable to attend the service will be able to watch it live on their computer or mobile device.

To watch the live stream, see below.

Attractions, Facts, Travel

Niagara’s Old Scow and Other Famous Structures Surrounding The Falls

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Niagara Falls History: 5 Famous Structures Surrounding The Niagara Falls

Next time you are taking in the beauty of the Niagara Falls from the Parkway, take a look around you at some other pieces of Niagara Falls History. More than the magnificent falls, here are 5 famous structures to check out while you are there.

Niagara Scow (AKA “The Old Scow”)

On August 6, 1918, Gustave Lofberg and Frank Harris were aboard the sand scow dredging up sand banks from the Niagara River upstream of the waterfall. The scow was being towed by the tug boat “Hassayampa”, which was operated by Captain John Wallace. When Captain John Wallace brought the “Hassayampa” over to bring the scow back to shore, it broke loose and began floating downriver rapidly towards the Horseshoe Falls.

With Lofberg and Harris aboard, the boat got caught on a rock shoal half a mile from the edge of the falls after the scow swung sideways in the turbulent water. It grounded and became lodged on a rock shoal not too far from the brink of the Horseshoe Falls. The Niagara Falls (Ontario) Fire Department tried used a grappling gun to shoot a life line out towards the barge while waiting for the US Coast Guard to arrive. The US Coast Guard was able to send a lifeline over to the barge, and the breeches buoy ended up getting tangled.

William Red Hill Sr. volunteered to try to reach the men. Using the rope, Red Hill Sr. set out at 3 a.m. with spotlights to try to save the two men. He struggled and was unable to untangle the ropes. He set out again by daylight at 8 a.m., and was successful this time. By 9:30 a.m. the two men were being safely returned to the shore. The whole ordeal lasted 17 hours.

Old Scow Moved 100 Feet (October 2019)

On Thursday, October 31st 2019, a major wind storm caused gusts that peaked near 60 mph (100 kms/hr). The scow became dislodged and was overturned and driven by wind and water approximately 100 feet (30 meters) down river before being grounded again.

Old Scow Fractured (April 2022)

Due to recent weather conditions, the Iron Scow, a century-old shipwreck, moved further down river towards the Horseshoe Falls over the weekend of April 1st, 2022. It was obvious that at least two big portions of the main hull had split and were lying in the swirling water.

According to Jim Hill, senior manager of heritage for Niagara Parks, the ice boom was discharged the week before and may have caused the scow to fracture.  That presumably drove enough water and ice down the river from Lake Erie to “hammer into what was left of the scow,” he explained.

Toronto Power Generating Station

Ceasing operation in 1974, the Toronto Power Generating Station was built in 1906 and was one of the first Canadian-owned hydro-electric facilities. You can find this beautiful building alongside the Niagara River, just above the Niagara Falls. The station was built by the Electrical Development Company of Ontario under supervision of Hugh L. Cooper to supply hydro-electric power to nearby Toronto.

The water from the turbines ran out through a brick lined water wheel, which eventually came out at the base of the falls. The tunnel dimensions were 10 metres in diameter and 610 metres long. It was the largest of its kind in the world during that time period. The station operated 11 turbines which produced 11,000 horsepower each. Total power output was equal to 131,420 horsepower. Upgrades after being purchased by Ontario Hydro in 1922 improved the horsepower of each generator to 12,500 with a total output of 137,000 horsepower.

Eventually, Ontario Hydro looked to make better use downriver at the Sir Adam Beck Hydroelectric Power Stations in Queenston, Ontario, and in 1983 the vacant Toronto Power Generating Station was designated a National Historic Site of Canada in 1983 due to its importance in the development of business, industry and technology in Ontario.

Tesla Monument

Born in Croatia in 1856, Nikola Tesla was regarded as one of the most influential inventors of all times. He was a pioneer in the discovery of radar technology, X-ray technology, remote control and in 1895, Tesla designed what was among the first AC hydroelectric power plants in the United States, at Niagara Falls.

The Tesla monument has been erected on both sides of the Niagara Falls. The sculpture that was inaugurated in the New York was presented by Yugoslavia in 1976, and on the Canadian side of Niagara Falls, the Tesla monument can be found in Queen Victoria Park. The sculpture was unveiled in 2006 on the 150th birthday of Tesla.

Rambler’s Rest

Built in 1907, this is a stone heritage pavilion that overlooks the Niagara River, between the Canadian Horseshoe Falls and the American Bridal Veil Falls. It was built as resting place for pedestrians, with protection in case of any storms. Alternatively, it was also the spot that spectators gathered to witness stunts being performed in the Niagara Gorge.

Zimmerman Fountain

Clifton Hill’s location essentially started out because of a man named Samuel Zimmerman. Samuel Zimmerman was an American who came to Niagara in 1842 and was a very gifted contractor, and quite possibly one of the best of his time. He made a fortune on projects such as the Second Welland Canal, and was the man behind the building of the Great Western Railroad from Hamilton to Niagara Falls. He was also a primary supporter of the first railway suspension bridge to be built across the Niagara River Gorge.

The “Village of Clifton” was initially a piece of property owned by a man named Captain Ogden Creighton, and the village started laying out buildings and streets in approximately 1832. It was Creighton who gave this future settlement the name “Clifton”, derived from the town of the same name in England. Upon his death in 1837, his wife sold the property to Samuel Zimmerman. He later had the Erie and Niagara Railway routed through this town.

In 1848, Zimmerman purchased land in the “Village of Elgin” (which he named after Lord Elgin, the Governor General of Canada) after the first suspension bridge was built and houses started to span out with its first settlers in the area. This was the area of Niagara Falls that contained Queen Street, Park Street, Huron Street and Morrison Street. In 1856, the boundaries of the Village of Elgin were expanded to include the area of the Table Rock.

In view of this expansion and its subsequent increase in population, the Village of Elgin now had enough citizens to become a town rather than a village. Because the name Elgin had been previously used, the name of the newly formed town was changed to the Town of Clifton in 1856 (it amalgamated with the Village of Clifton).

In October of 1881, at the request of its residents, the former Town of Clifton received permission from government to change it’s name to the Town of Niagara Falls. By 1881, the population of the Town of Niagara Falls was 2,623 citizens — a far cry from its population today at approximately 83,000 inhabitants.

Zimmerman created an estate property along the south side of Ferry Hill (now Clifton Hill) that he called “Clifton Place”. On his estate, Zimmerman undertook to create many gardens and several large fountains. He planned to build a mansion that he hoped to live in once it was completed. His estate was bounded by Clifton Hill, the Niagara River, Robinson Street and Ferry Road (now known as Victoria Avenue). Today this property is owned by HOCO (Sir Harry Oakes Company). Unfortunately, Samuel Zimmerman saw only the foundations of his mansion built before he was killed on March 12th 1857 in the Desjardins Canal Railway accident. The train derailed and plunged into the canal killing 59 persons including Samuel Zimmerman.

Upon Zimmerman’s death in 1857, his estate was then taken over by U.S. Senator John T. Bush (the estate included the ownership of the first Clifton Hotel). It was Bush that completed the restoration of the mansion, and even though the Zimmerman/Bush mansion no longer stands, the “Zimmerman Fountain”, a large stone fountain built by Samuel Zimmerman below the moraine (now Queen Victoria Park), remains today.

Facts, History, News, Quiz

Quiz: How Well Do You Know These Niagara Falls Historical Events?

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Tourism and the Falls have a long and rich history in Niagara. The majority of people in the 19th century considered a journey to Niagara Falls to be an unforgettable adventure. Throughout the years local businesses have kept this up by continually providing a fun and memorable experience for all visitors. Some of these memories include extreme events like daredevils crossing the Falls on a tightrope to the formation of the Niagara River ice bridge during the coldest winter months.

How much do you about know these major Niagara Falls events of the past? Take the quiz and find out! 

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Events, Facts, History, List, News

Niagara Events To Commemorate Black History Month

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Pictured Above: Two unidentified black women with Niagara Falls in the background. Courtesy of Brock University Special Collections & Archives

February is Black History Month, a date recognized as an annual month of remembrance of important people and events in African-American history. Canadians and Americans celebrate it this month, and the United Kingdom also recognizes Black History Month in October.

Niagara Falls is more than just the city to go to in order to witness the majestic Falls, it also played an active role for African-Americans throughout history.

The Underground Railroad

Between 1840 and 1860, enslaved Africans followed the “Underground Railroad” to find freedom in Canada. It was not an actual railroad, but rather a secret network of routes and safe houses that helped people escape slavery and reach Canada, especially after the US passed the “Fugitive Slave Act” in 1850. This allowed slave hunters to pursue and capture enslaved people in places where they would legally be free. Approximately 30,000 slaves were able to escape along the Underground Railroad, and Niagara Falls was well-recognized as being a settling point for many people who escaped slavery in the United States.

Harriet Tubman

Harriet Tubman (Library of Congress). Taken between 1871-1876.

One of the most influential and empowering people to celebrate during Black History Month in Niagara Falls, is also the woman who played a huge hand in the Underground Railroad and became a heroine to many black people.

Harriet Tubman was born into a plantation in Maryland right into slavery. She was tormented with much cruelty as a field-hand. At age 13 she was struck in the head by a weight hurled by an overseer that would cause seizures for the rest of her life. After the death of her master in 1849, she was petrified of being sold to the Deep South and escaped without her husband to Philadelphia in the north. She began work as a cook in hotels and clubs to finance excursions to liberate other slaves into the Underground Railroad.

She returned in 1850 to rescue her sister Mary Ann and her two children. The Fugitive Slave Act came into effect in 1850, so now Harriet could no longer find complete refuge in the northern states, so that is when she began to bring them across the border into Niagara Falls, Canada. From there, they traveled to nearby St. Catharines, where they were aided by the Reverend Hiram Wilson, an abolitionist and the leader of the local refugee community.

In 1851 Tubman moved to St. Catharines, which would be the centre of her anti-slavery activities for the next seven years.

Due to Harriet Tubman’s courageous actions, St. Catharines quickly grew to 123 black families listed on the assessment rolls in 1855. Between 1852 and 1857, Tubman made 11 trips into the United States to rescue fugitives. What made her actions even more heroic was the $40,000 reward posted by a group of slave-owners for her capture — dead or alive. No one rivaled Tubman in the number of trips and the number of slaves liberated into the Underground Railroad.

Nathaniel Dett Memorial Chapel, 5674 Peer St., Niagara Falls 

The church was built in 1836 and in 1856, it was moved to Peer Street. The move was funded by a gentleman named Burr Plato, a fugitive from the US who prevailed over racist attitudes and became the first elected Black man in local government from 1886 to 1905. The Peer Street property was donated by Oliver Parnell, who had escaped slavery from Berlin, Maryland by swimming the Niagara River to freedom. Once in Canada, Pernell made his way to the village of Drummondville, part of present-day Niagara Falls, and settled there. During this period, there were many refugee slaves living in Drummondville along Peer, Stanley, Ross, Grey and Robinson Streets.

The building was renamed in 1983 after Nathaniel Dett, who was born in Niagara Falls in 1882. Dett was a world-renowned musician and composer. This building is the third oldest church in Niagara Falls.

One of Nathaniel Dett’s most played pieces is called “In the Bottoms”. He wrote this piano piece for the students he taught musically in 1913. It is being performed by Leon Bates. This is a portion of the second movement called “His Song”.

Niagara Black History Venues & Events

Niagara’s collection of displays and monuments honouring Black Canadian heritage allows visitors to learn about Canada’s stories of independence and bravery. Learn about Niagara’s part in the renowned Underground Railroad as you travel along the magnificent Niagara River Parkway from Fort Erie to Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake. See the printing press that printed Canada’s 1793 Act Against Slavery and stand where Harriet Tubman first entered into Canada in 1851.

Nathanial Dett Memorial Chapel of the British Methodist Episcopal Church
In 1836, the “British Methodist Episcopal Church” was built. The Nathaniel Dett Memorial Chapel is a National Historic Site that is part of the Freedom Trail’s Underground Railroad heritage places of interest.

https://www.heritagetrust.on.ca/en/pages/our-stories/slavery-to-freedom/partners/nathaniel-dett-memorial-chapel-british-methodist-episcopal-church

Harriet Tubman Tribute
Harriet Tubman’s initial crossing into Canada in 1856 was commemorated by an explanatory plaque placed by the Niagara Parks Commission in June 2017. She crossed the Niagara Parkway, north of the falls, on a suspension bridge near the current Whirlpool Bridge Plaza. At the White Water Walk and Whirlpool Bridge’s entry, look for a sequence of plaques.

https://www.cliftonhill.com/attractions/niagara-parks/white-water-walk

Niagara Falls History Museum
Throughout the year, the Niagara Falls History Museum hosts black history exhibits.

https://www.cliftonhill.com/attractions/niagara-falls-history-museum

The Louis Roy Press and the 1793 Act Against Slavery (Queenston)
Canada’s oldest wooden printing press, which printed the 1793 Act Against Slavery. Mackenzie Printery & Museum of Newspapers (Queenston)

https://www.cliftonhill.com/attractions/niagara-parks/mackenzie-printery

Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center (Niagara Falls, New York)
825 Depot Ave W, Niagara Falls, NY 14305, United States

The Heritage Center’s aim is to tell the true story of Niagara Falls’ Underground Railroad freedom seekers and abolitionists, inspiring visitors to realize modern-day injustices stemming from slavery and take steps toward a more fair society.

The Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center is open from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Tuesday – Sunday. 

Events: https://www.niagarafallsundergroundrailroad.org/black-history-month/

Tours: https://www.niagarafallsundergroundrailroad.org/tours-2/

Laura Secord Homestead, 29 Queenston Street, Queenston, Ontario.

Speaker Series on Black History by the Niagara Parks Commission

With this multi-part online speaker series, learn about different viewpoints on Black history and culture in Canada.

The speaker series has an exceptional lineup of speakers, beginning on January 29 with Lezlie Harper, an established Black history educational group tours professional located in Niagara, and concluding on February 26 with Saladin Allah, a recognized award-winning multi-media activist. Kevin Cottrell, the originator of the current National Network to Freedom Initiative, will conclude the series on March 26.

Tickets grant access to the speaker series, along with coffee and tea at the event.

Tickets are $15 per event, or gain access to the entire series for $35. All sessions begin at 2:00 p.m.

RESERVE TICKETS

  • January 29: Lezlie Harper, Celebrating Black History in Niagara
    • Lezlie Harper, a Black history educational group tour specialist, will begin off the series on January 29 with an examination of Black History in Niagara.
  • February 26: Saladin Allah, Present-Day Freedom Seekers and The Power of our Stories
    • Saladin Allah, a multi-media activist, will lecture about current day freedom seekers and the impact of their tales on February 26.
  • March 26: Kevin Cottrell, Interpreting The Underground Railroad in the age of Heritage Tourism and the built environment in the Niagara Region
    • The series finishes on March 26 with Kevin Cottrell, the current National Network of Freedom Initiative’s founder. He’ll speak on the Niagara Region’s heritage tourism and the Underground Railroad.

More information and tickets are available at niagaraparks.com/black-history. Tickets are $15 per event, with a $35 package that includes admission to all three events. All sessions will begin at 2 p.m. at the Laura Secord Homestead, 29 Queenston Street, Queenston, Ontario.

Lezlie Harper: Celebrating Black History in Niagara
January 29, 2023

This session will look at the experiences of Black families who come to Canada, as well as the experiences of families who come to the Niagara Region and Canada.

RESERVE TICKETS

Saladin Allah: Present-Day Freedom Seekers and The Power of our Stories
February 26, 2023

This workshop will investigate Present Day Freedom Seekers and the Power of Our Stories in an illuminating presentation about the significance of our local legacy and the need of preserving the stories of ordinary people doing amazing things. Saladin discusses the importance of everyday people finding a sense of agency in their legacy as modern-day freedom seekers by highlighting the Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center and sharing his personal story as a descendant of famed underground railroad freedom seeker Josiah Henson.

RESERVE TICKETS

Kevin Cottrell: Interpreting The Underground Railroad in the age of Heritage Tourism and the built environment in the Niagara Region
March 26, 2023

Cottrell walks participants through the history of Black history stories along the Niagara River in this session.

RESERVE TICKETS
Entertainment, Events, Facts, History, News

History of the Winter Festival of Lights in Niagara Falls, Canada

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There is no denying the huge growth over the years at the Winter Festival of Lights, but how much do you know about the history of the Winter Festival of Lights?

The festival originally began on the US side in Niagara Falls, New York back in 1980. It only lasted 44 days and was simply titled “Festival of Lights.” The event received funding by sponsorship from the area tourist industry, and with volunteer help from the community. 

This included a nine-story “OxyLights,” which was a light show synchronized to Christmas music. The vacated Nabisco 180 foot tall silos were illuminated and called the “Nabisco Fantasy of Lights” on the south end of the downtown area. The trees along Old Falls Street and Lackey Plaza were decorated with thousands of strings of lights creating a path from the Falls Convention Center to the Winter Garden. Inside, there was more than 15,000 square feet of indoor animation in the Carborundum Center and inside the Niagara Falls Convention Center. The seven-story Wintergarden also had strings of lights and a huge star hanging over the entrance.

This “Festival of Lights” ran until 2004 when the City of Niagara Falls eventually didn’t receive enough sponsorship dollars.

Some photos from the US “Festival of Lights” (photos courtesy of the Niagara Falls Public Library Local History Department).


Niagara Falls, Ontario then decided to take on the “Festival of Lights” in 1983 (changing the name to the “Winter Festival of Lights” in 1985). This was an arrangement made between the Niagara Falls Canada Visitor and Convention Bureau, the City of Niagara Falls Ontario, and the Niagara Parks Commission after seeing the huge tourist draw that it brought the US side. Its budget was modest — only $18,000 when it premiered on November 17, 1983 until February 26, 1984. During this first year of operation, approximately 250,000 people and 35 motor coaches visited the Winter Festival of Lights. Currently in its 39th year, it sees upwards of 1 million annual visitors and 750 motor coaches each year.

In 1992, the Winter Festival of Lights introduced Disney into the mix. The “Enchantment of Disney” displays were immediately a crowd favourite throughout Queen Victoria Park, with over 20 animated displays of Disney classics.

Festival of Lights Disney’s Toy Story in Lights 2004

From 1998-2006, the Festival introduced a weekly Night Parade of Lights in which it featured a dozen or so lit up floats. Despite its success, in 2006, the Winter Festival of Lights cancelled the Night Parade, which in turn poured more money to be put into lights throughout the park and Dufferin Islands.

In 2010, the CAA became a huge sponsor of the Winter Festival of Lights and then became known as the “CAA Winter Festival of Lights” when they signed a contract for a two-year sponsorship.
In 2013 (to current date), the Ontario Power Generation became its new sponsor, now being entitled the “Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights“. Additionally, the Ontario Power Generation Winter Festival of Lights ended the partnership with Disney for light displays and opening ceremonies after twenty years. Disney had decided to limit the character’s appearances to their theme parks. Organizers decided to replace them with twenty Korean lantern displays, to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of the Korean War and 50 years of diplomatic relations between Canada and South Korea.

This year in 2021, The Winter Festival of Lights will illuminate Niagara Falls for 101 Nights (November 13th, 2021- February 21st, 2022), almost doubling the amount of time from previous years. Every year, there is always something new and spectacular happening during this ever-growing and one of Canada’s favourite events.

2020 introduced 20 new additional displays, with this year adding a further 8 new exhibits. 3D animals are back, along with a big gingerbread home, fairy tale palace, and light tunnel.

For more information on the Winter Festival Lights

News, Travel

The History of Clifton Hill

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Clifton Hill is known as the “Street of Fun by the Falls”; a street jammed with tourists in the Summer and marked by attractions, restaurants, hotels and motels. Before all this, Clifton Hill held an important historic significance to Niagara Falls.

Clifton Hill’s location essentially started out because of a man named Samuel Zimmerman. Samuel Zimmerman was an American who came to Niagara in 1842 and was a very gifted contractor, and quite possibly one of the best of his time. He made a fortune on projects such as the Second Welland Canal, and was the man behind the building of the Great Western Railroad from Hamilton to Niagara Falls. He was also a primary supporter of the first railway suspension bridge to be built across the Niagara River Gorge.

The “Village of Clifton” was initially a piece of property owned by a man named Captain Ogden Creighton, and the village started laying out buildings and streets in approximately 1832. It was Creighton who gave this future settlement the name “Clifton”, derived from the town of the same name in England. Upon his death in 1837, his wife sold the property to Samuel Zimmerman. He later had the Erie and Niagara Railway routed through this town.

In 1848, Zimmerman purchased land in the “Village of Elgin” (which he named after Lord Elgin, the Governor General of Canada) after the first suspension bridge was built and houses started to span out with its first settlers in the area. This was the area of Niagara Falls that contained Queen Street, Park Street, Huron Street and Morrison Street. In 1856, the boundaries of the Village of Elgin were expanded to include the area of the Table Rock.

In view of this expansion and its subsequent increase in population, the Village of Elgin now had enough citizens to become a town rather than a village. Because the name Elgin had been previously used, the name of the newly formed town was changed to the Town of Clifton in 1856 (it amalgamated with the Village of Clifton).

In October of 1881, at the request of its residents, the former Town of Clifton received permission from government to change it’s name to the Town of Niagara Falls. By 1881, the population of the Town of Niagara Falls was 2,623 citizens — a far cry from its population today at approximately 88,000 inhabitants.

 


Zimmerman created an estate property along the south side of Ferry Hill (now Clifton Hill) that he called “Clifton Place”. On his estate, Zimmerman undertook to create many gardens and several large fountains. He planned to build a mansion that he hoped to live in once it was completed. His estate was bounded by Clifton Hill, the Niagara River, Robinson Street and Ferry Road (now known as Victoria Avenue). Today this property is owned by HOCO (Sir Harry Oakes Company). Unfortunately, Samuel Zimmerman saw only the foundations of his mansion built before he was killed on March 12th 1857 in the Desjardins Canal Railway accident. The train derailed and plunged into the canal killing 59 persons including Samuel Zimmerman.

“Clifton Place”. The grassy area in the foreground now stands all the attractions on the south side of Clifton Hill (HOCO property)

The south side Clifton Hill’s current attractions that now reside on what was once was Zimmerman’s property


The first buildings that Zimmerman built on his estate were four gatehouses. Each gatehouse was large enough to be a home in itself. A gatehouse was located at each of the four entrances to his 52 acre estate.

Zimmerman also built a large stable for his horses and carriages of imported English yellow brick. The stables continued to exist until the mid 1950’s when the new Park Motor Hotel (eventually to be the Comfort Inn Clifton Hill) was built. The Comfort Inn Clifton Hill was eventually demolished in 2015 to make way for added new attractions such as the Niagara Speedway (coming Spring 2018). However, prior to this, Niagara Falls Historian Sherman Zavitz pointed out a section of the Comfort Inn Clifton Hill that still had a portion of the foundation of the Clifton Place stables still standing, which visibly showed the same circular small stable windows.

The Bush Estate Clifton Place stables in 1946 (built in 1856 by Samuel Zimmerman)

Sherman Zavitz pointing out the circular stable windows on the Comfort Inn Clifton Hill that still remain (one visible here)


Upon Zimmerman’s death in 1857, his estate was then taken over by U.S. Senator John T. Bush (the estate included the ownership of the first Clifton Hotel). It was Bush that completed the restoration of the mansion, and even though the Zimmerman/Bush mansion no longer stands, the “Zimmerman Fountain”, a large stone fountain built by Samuel Zimmerman below the moraine (now Queen Victoria Park), remains today.

 


Senator Bush and his family lived in the mansion for the next 50 years. The view of Niagara Falls was available from the many windows on the upper floors, the balconies and from a little stone turret built into one wing of the mansion.
Following the death of Senator Bush, his daughter Miss Josephine Bush continued to live in the mansion until 1927. In 1928, Miss Bush sold the Bush Estate to Sir Harry Oakes, and the mansion was later torn down by June 1, 1937.

By the time that Sir Harry Oakes purchased this land, tourism was beginning to boom in Niagara Falls and Oakes knew to capitalize on that. Oakes was a Parks Commissioner who donated the piece of land in which the Oakes Garden Theatre currently resides to the Niagara Parks Commission, in exchange for another plot of land located just above the park, which is today the south side of Clifton Hill, with the current large chain of attractions, restaurants and retail outlets still owned and operated by the Oakes family.

Before he made the exchange though, Oakes wanted to create something beautiful. He began to hire individuals such as architect Dunington-Grubb, Stensson, and William Lyon Somerville to create an intricate design of gardens and stone sculptures in 1937. The garden was officially open to the public in 1937 and in memory and in honor of Harry Oakes the garden was named Oakes Garden Theatre to pay tribute to all the hard work and dedication he put into the creation of this new beautiful spot in Niagara to visit. It officially opened on September 18, 1937. Oakes Garden Theatre is fan-shaped, with the stage placed with the Niagara Falls as a natural backdrop.

The Oakes Garden Theatre is located at the foot of Clifton Hill and the Niagara Parkway. The two open pavilions were deliberately designed so that one was perfectly aligned on the axis of the Horseshoe Falls, and the other with the American Falls.


Across from the Oakes Garden (on the south side of Clifton Hill between Falls Avenue and River Road), you can’t help but notice the large beautiful monument that pays tribute to all the veterans from Niagara Falls that lost their lives during WWI, WWII, and the Korean War. This national monument was originally unveiled in 1927 to honour those that died fighting in the First World War, and then was updated in 1982 to include the Second World War and Korea. There are 136 names inscribed on this monument. It is important to note that while that number doesn’t seem large, during the time of the First World War, Niagara Falls had approximately 1100 people serve in the war — thus telling us literally on such a large-scale how many men sacrificed their lives that came from Niagara Falls.
 

Clifton Hill Great War Memorial in 1927 (year of its unveiling)


If you wish to learn a little bit more about Clifton Hill and the Niagara Falls, click here for some other interesting historical facts about Niagara Falls.

News, Travel

1960’s Imagery of the Park Motor Hotel, Clifton Hill, Niagara Falls

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The old Park Motor Hotel which came into operation in the 1950’s on Clifton Hill (later becoming the Comfort Inn Clifton Hill), is long gone, however, here are some photos and text from the Park Motor Hotel in the 1960’s. 

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Current Niagara Falls Hotels

via cliftonhill.com

For a full list of hotels in and around the Clifton Hill area, please refer to our Niagara Falls Hotels list.