The History Of Niagara Falls

World famous as a great destination for travelers, Niagara Falls history dates as far back as the last ice age of North America.



History of the Falls has two separate but intertwined paths that have taken place over thousands of years and have helped to create a unique place on earth to visit.

First off, the natural wonders that have taken place to create the Niagara River, the Gorge and the falls itself has a very interesting and violent story to tell.

The second part of the history of Niagara Falls has to deal with the exciting and sometimes bloody formation of the city itself. Being located along a natural border of Canada and the United States, Niagara Falls has seen it’s share of turmoil during the war of 1812.

When visiting, make sure to travel along the Niagara River Parkway, there you will find many plaques that have been placed to mark significant points in history in the creation of Niagara Falls.

Below, you will find many facts about the formation of both the city and the natural wonder that make up the history of Niagara Falls.

---

The Natural History of Niagara Falls

History of Niagara Falls and The Niagara River: Learn how the falls and the famous river was created after the ice age.

The Niagara Glen: Explore natures wonder as you pass boulders the size of houses and untouched Carolinian Forests with a large assortment of plants and trees at the Niagara Glen.

The Niagara Gorge: A history of how the great gorge was created.

The Whirlpool Rapids: As some of the most dangerous white water in the world, the whirlpool and it’s rapids are a great site to see.

Legend of the Maid of the Mist: A great native story telling of what created the unique horseshoe shape of the Falls. Is it true? You be the judge!

---

History of the City of Niagara Falls

Founding the City of Niagara Falls: From a scattering of a few small towns and villages to one great City, Niagara Falls has had some ups and downs in its creation.

The Battle of Lundy’s Lane: A brief story about what has been called the bloodiest battle of the war of 1812.

Niagara Falls Illumination: For over a century the Falls have been lit up almost every night, giving visitors a unique and beautiful view of the mighty waterfall.

The Laura Secord Homestead: Laura Secord helped to forever change the war of 1812. Tour the homestead in the town of Queenston, just minutes from the city of Niagara Falls.

---

Bicentennial of the War of 1812

During the war of 1812, Niagara Falls and the surrounding communities played a significant role defending the British controlled Canadian territory from the American attackers. The Battles that took place throughout Niagara were some of the bloodiest and most crucial during the war.

As the 200th anniversary of the war of 1812 approaches, Niagara Falls and other Niagara communities will be celebrating this milestone event with various events, ceremonies, re-enactments and other 1812 commemorations.

To help highlight the City's involvement we will be adding links to pages, videos, news and anything else 1812 related here.


Red Geranium to Commemorate war of 1812
In honnor of school teacher Ruth Redmond, a woman who tirelessly fought to save many of the war of 1812 sites from being developed, the city of Niagara Falls wants the popular flower to be the symbol of the war.

1812 Online Museum Has Been Launched
With the co-operation of museums and schools in the area, a new virtual museum showcasing the artefacts of the war has now been launched.