Niagara Falls in the early days
With the arrival of European explorers and settlers in the New World, the area around Niagara became an important strategic and commercial site in the fur trade. The British and French (and later the Americans) sought control of the region, establishing fortifications along the river (Old Fort Erie on the Canadian side is still standing).
Despite its strategic significance, Niagara Falls did not become a major settlement for those other than Native Americans until the time of the American Revolution, when American loyalists fled in droves to the west bank of the Niagara River to escape persecution.
By the 19th century, Niagara Falls had become a prime tourist destination for visitors from both sides of the border. Since then, various small villages and towns on the Ontario side have combined to create a larger city. The City of Niagara Falls reached its present size in 1963 when nearby Stamford joined the city.
Despite its strategic significance, Niagara Falls did not become a major settlement for those other than Native Americans until the time of the American Revolution, when American loyalists fled in droves to the west bank of the Niagara River to escape persecution.
By the 19th century, Niagara Falls had become a prime tourist destination for visitors from both sides of the border. Since then, various small villages and towns on the Ontario side have combined to create a larger city. The City of Niagara Falls reached its present size in 1963 when nearby Stamford joined the city.
There are three waterfalls contained in Niagara Falls. Collectively, these three waterfalls make up Niagara Falls.
The Waterfalls
American Falls (between Prospect Point and Luna Island) far left
Bridal Veil Falls (between Luna Island and Goat Island) mid left
Canadian Falls (between Goat Island and Table Rock) right
Bridal Veil Falls (between Luna Island and Goat Island) mid left
Canadian Falls (between Goat Island and Table Rock) right
The American falls and Bridal Veil Falls
Length of brink: 1060 feet /323.08 meters
Height: 176 feet / 53.6 meters (due to rocks at the base actual fall is 70 feet/ 21.3 meters)
Volume of water: 150,000 U.S. Gallons / 567,811 Liters per second
The actual amount varies, as there are two hydroelectric plants which draw water into their reservoirs prior to the Falls. Their intake greatly affects the volume of water flowing over the falls.
The amount of water being siphoned away depends on two variables: the time of year, and the time of the day. The flow is greatest in the daytime during peak tourist season (June, July, and August). In the event of an emergency the flow can be somewhat reduced by the hydroelectric companies increasing their intake.
The Bridal Veil Falls is named for its appearance. It is located next to the American falls, separated by a small piece of land called Luna Island.
Height: 176 feet / 53.6 meters (due to rocks at the base actual fall is 70 feet/ 21.3 meters)
Volume of water: 150,000 U.S. Gallons / 567,811 Liters per second
The actual amount varies, as there are two hydroelectric plants which draw water into their reservoirs prior to the Falls. Their intake greatly affects the volume of water flowing over the falls.
The amount of water being siphoned away depends on two variables: the time of year, and the time of the day. The flow is greatest in the daytime during peak tourist season (June, July, and August). In the event of an emergency the flow can be somewhat reduced by the hydroelectric companies increasing their intake.
The Bridal Veil Falls is named for its appearance. It is located next to the American falls, separated by a small piece of land called Luna Island.
Canadian "Horseshoe" Falls
Length of brink: 2600 feet / 792.4 meters
Height: 167 feet / 50.9 meters
Volume of water: 600,000 U.S. gallons / 2,271,247 liters per second
Interesting fact: According to the U.S.G.S. (United States Geological Survey) of Niagara Falls, it appears that almost 1/3 of the Canadian Falls lies within US Territory.
Height: 167 feet / 50.9 meters
Volume of water: 600,000 U.S. gallons / 2,271,247 liters per second
Interesting fact: According to the U.S.G.S. (United States Geological Survey) of Niagara Falls, it appears that almost 1/3 of the Canadian Falls lies within US Territory.