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History of Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Journey back in time to Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Explore the history, people, photographs, newspapers, postcards, and genealogy connected to Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada.
ABOUT THE PLACE
About Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, Ont, incorporated as a city in 1904, population 82 997 (2011c), 82 184 (2006c). The City of Niagara Falls possesses a fame and name that are based on the resplendent, world-famous NIAGARA FALLS on the NIAGARA RIVER.
The earliest hotel was built in 1822 on the Portage Road overlooking the falls, and by the 1850s several small communities had developed around this scenic attraction and close to the historic site of LUNDY'S LANE, where a battle was fought towards the end of the WAR OF 1812.
The first bridge was built across the Niagara Gorge in 1848, and in 1853 the GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY arrived, establishing a railhead where the Niagara Suspension Bridge crossed the Niagara River. The Niagara Cantilever Bridge opened immediately to the south in 1883 for the Canada Southern-Michigan Central Railways, and in 1897 the Niagara Railway Arch Bridge was built under and into the suspension bridge to replace its predecessor. These bridges, as great feats of engineering, along with the scenic attractions of the river at the falls and the beginning of rail passenger excursions in 1878, brought thousands of tourist visitors to Niagara Falls.
The earliest hotel was built in 1822 on the Portage Road overlooking the falls, and by the 1850s several small communities had developed around this scenic attraction and close to the historic site of LUNDY'S LANE, where a battle was fought towards the end of the WAR OF 1812.
The first bridge was built across the Niagara Gorge in 1848, and in 1853 the GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY arrived, establishing a railhead where the Niagara Suspension Bridge crossed the Niagara River. The Niagara Cantilever Bridge opened immediately to the south in 1883 for the Canada Southern-Michigan Central Railways, and in 1897 the Niagara Railway Arch Bridge was built under and into the suspension bridge to replace its predecessor. These bridges, as great feats of engineering, along with the scenic attractions of the river at the falls and the beginning of rail passenger excursions in 1878, brought thousands of tourist visitors to Niagara Falls.
Sourcewww.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
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VINTAGE NIAGARA FALLS
Niagara Falls Nostalgia: Vintage Photos, Ads, and Postcards
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Artwork
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Niagara By Electric Light
1882 - Lucius O'Brien - Picturesque Canada (1882–84)
1882 - Lucius O'Brien - Picturesque Canada (1882–84)
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Artwork
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Niagara
1882 - Lucius O'Brien - Picturesque Canada (1882–84)
1882 - Lucius O'Brien - Picturesque Canada (1882–84)
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Artwork
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Rapids Above the Falls
1882 - Lucius O'Brien - Picturesque Canada (1882–84)
1882 - Lucius O'Brien - Picturesque Canada (1882–84)
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Postcard
Horseshoe Falls from below, Niagara, Canada
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Postcard
Table Rock House, Niagara Falls, Canada
Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
Postcard
The Whirlpool and Giant Wave, Niagara Falls
Genealogy gifts & optional resources
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Genealogy Gifts & Resources Related to NIAGARA FALLS
CHRISTMAS - FRENCH CANADIAN Coffee Mug – Celebrate Family, Heritage, and Holiday Cheer
Sip Christmas the way your ancestors would have loved it with this festive French-Canadian coffee mug. Featuring the elegant greeting “Joyeuses fêtes de Noël à vous et vos proches!” (Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones), it’s perfect for genealogy enthusiasts, Francophiles, and anyone who cherishes family traditions. Joyeuses fêtes de Noël – literally “Happy Christmas holidays,” which is a common way to wish someone a merry Christmas and holiday season in French. à vous et vos proches – “to you and your loved ones,” adding a friendly, inclusive touch.
CANADA - Canadian Roots Genealogy Coffee Mug - Curling and Olympics
"My ancestors came from Canada. That explains a lot about my love for curling and watching the Olympics!"
CANADA - Canadian Roots Ceramic Coffee Mug - Maple Syrup and Apologies Edition - Genealogy
Embrace your Canadian heritage with our "My ancestors came from Canada" ceramic coffee mug! Perfect for sipping your favorite brew while reflecting on your roots, this mug features a moose sampling maple syrup and a humorous caption that reads, "My ancestors came from Canada. That explains a lot about my love for maple syrup and apologizing!" Whether you're enjoying your morning coffee or unwinding with an evening tea, this mug is sure to bring a smile to your face.
ONTARIO - My Ancestors Came from Ontario Mug – Funny Canadian Genealogy Coffee Cup for Hockey Fans, Maple Syrup Lovers & Toque Wearers
If your family roots trace back to Ontario, this mug probably explains you perfectly. Featuring the proudly accurate caption, “My ancestors came from Ontario. That explains a lot about my love for hockey, maple syrup and wearing toques into April!”, this funny genealogy mug celebrates classic Canadian habits with a wink and a grin. Perfect for genealogy enthusiasts, family history lovers, hockey fans, and anyone who considers maple syrup a staple and cold weather a lifestyle.
LOCAL HISTORY
Discover Niagara Falls: History, News, Travel, and Stories
Explore the events, newspaper stories, people, and moments that shaped Niagara Falls through the years.
1846 - June 18 - The Toronto, Hamilton and Niagara Electro-Magnetic Telegraph Company opens Canada's first telegraph system, from Toronto to Hamilton and Niagara Falls.
1857 - Church of Our Lady of Peace Shrine of St. Therese established at Niagara Falls
1858 - Church of St. Patrick established at Niagara Falls
1859 - Acrobat Crosses Gorge on Tightrope
1859, June 30 - French acrobat Charles Blondin (Jean-François Cravelet) crosses the Niagara Gorge from the US to Canada by tightrope before a crowd of 25,000; drinks champagne; does a back somersault; recrosses blindfolded, on a bicycle, on stilts, pushing a wheelbarrow while carrying his manager on his back; the so-called 'Prince of Manila'
1873
NIAGARA, formerly NEWARK, an incorporated town of Ontario, co. of Niagara, situated on Lake Ontario, at the mouth of Niagara river, and on the C.S. R. (Erie and Niagara division), 36 miles S. of Toronto. It contains 4 churches, several stores and hotels, a telegraph office, and a printing office issuing a weekly newspaper. This is one of the oldest towns in the province, and was the scene of many stirring events in the beginning of the present century. In 1813, it was burned down by Gen. McClure, of the American army, in his retreat from the north. It is a favorite resort during the summer months fir pleasure and health seekers. Total value of imports for 1872 $26,633; exports $108. Pop. 1,600.
1895 - Niagara
Niag'ara (formerly Newark), a town of Ontario, co. of Niagara, on Lake Ontario, at the mouth of Niagara River, and on the Canada Southern Railway, 36 miles S. of Toronto. It contains 4 churches, several stores and hotels, and a printing-office issuing a weekly newspaper. This is one of the oldest towns in the province, and is a favorite resort during the summer months for pleasure- and health seekers. In 1813 it was burned down by the American General McClure, in his retreat from the north. Pop. 1600.
1906
Niagara Falls, a banking town and port of entry of Welland co., Ontario, on the Niagara River, 2 miles below the falls, on the Michigan Central and other railroads. It has manufactures of carborundum, machine-shops, and wineries. The river here is crossed by two bridges. Pop. in 1901, 4244.
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1913 - Church of St. Ann established at Niagara Falls
1921 - SAVES TWO FROM DROWNING. Girl of 15 Rescues Sisters Half Mile Above Niagara Falls.
NIAGARA FALLS, N. Y., Aug. 12. - Fifteen-year-old Phyllis Perry of Chippewa, Ontario, rescued Wilma and Cora Baldry, 17 and 12 years old, respectively, daughters of City Market Clerk C. J. Baldry of Niagara Falls, Ontario, from drowning this afternoon a half mile above the falls.
Wilma was overcome while swimming, and was going down for the second time when her younger sister went to the rescue. She was being dragged down with her sister when Miss Perry dived from Navy Island, where the girls were campers, and brought the sisters to shore.
Wilma was overcome while swimming, and was going down for the second time when her younger sister went to the rescue. She was being dragged down with her sister when Miss Perry dived from Navy Island, where the girls were campers, and brought the sisters to shore.
1924 - Church of the Sacred Heart established at Niagara Falls
1930 - July 5 - Daredevil George Stathakis dies in a plunge over Niagara Falls in a barrel, but his turtle survives
Niagara Falls
The first European explorers in the Niagara Peninsula were the French who came from the St. Lawrence Valley via Lake Ontario early in the 17th century. They engaged in the fur trade and missionary work as far west as Detroit and south towards the Ohio River, establishing a portage route around Niagara Falls to connect Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. In 1679 the French built stockade at the future location of Fort Niagara, calling it Fort Conti. This was followed by the first permanent settlement on the east bank of the Niagara River. The location was related to the need to defend their trade interests around the Great Lakes from the expansion of the American colonies.
The capture of Fort Niagara by the British in 1759 and the defeat of the French elsewhere in Canada led to a British settlement west of the Niagara River and later elsewhere in southern Ontario. Treaties with the Senecas in 1764 and the Mississauga in 1781 secured land for agricultural settlement to the west of the river. ...
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The capture of Fort Niagara by the British in 1759 and the defeat of the French elsewhere in Canada led to a British settlement west of the Niagara River and later elsewhere in southern Ontario. Treaties with the Senecas in 1764 and the Mississauga in 1781 secured land for agricultural settlement to the west of the river. ...
Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario:
1. Niagara Falls
Observation Deck: Start your trip by visiting the iconic Niagara Falls. Take a stroll along the observation deck to marvel at the sheer power and beauty of the falls.
Maid of the Mist: Experience the falls up close by taking a boat tour on the Maid of the Mist. You'll get drenched, but it's totally worth it.
2. Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory
Immerse yourself in the beauty of thousands of butterflies in a tropical rainforest setting.
3. Clifton Hill
Known as the "Street of Fun," Clifton Hill is packed with attractions, restaurants, and entertainment.
SkyWheel: Take a ride on the giant Ferris wheel for stunning views of the falls and the surrounding area.
4. Hornblower Niagara Cruises
Similar to the Maid of the Mist, this boat tour provides an exhilarating experience, bringing you close to the base of the falls.
5. Journey Behind the Falls
Explore tunnels that lead you behind the falls, offering a unique perspective and the thunderous sound...
Read more
Observation Deck: Start your trip by visiting the iconic Niagara Falls. Take a stroll along the observation deck to marvel at the sheer power and beauty of the falls.
Maid of the Mist: Experience the falls up close by taking a boat tour on the Maid of the Mist. You'll get drenched, but it's totally worth it.
2. Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory
Immerse yourself in the beauty of thousands of butterflies in a tropical rainforest setting.
3. Clifton Hill
Known as the "Street of Fun," Clifton Hill is packed with attractions, restaurants, and entertainment.
SkyWheel: Take a ride on the giant Ferris wheel for stunning views of the falls and the surrounding area.
4. Hornblower Niagara Cruises
Similar to the Maid of the Mist, this boat tour provides an exhilarating experience, bringing you close to the base of the falls.
5. Journey Behind the Falls
Explore tunnels that lead you behind the falls, offering a unique perspective and the thunderous sound...
GENEALOGY IN NIAGARA FALLS
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BIRTHS & DEATHS
Ancestors Who Were Born or Died in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
We currently have information about 23 ancestors who were born or died in Niagara Falls.
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Ancestors Who Were Married in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada
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Updated: 10/12/2023 6:46:29 PM
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