First we hit the big tourist attraction at the Falls. People can tell you that it is big but big just doesn't do it justice. The American Falls is 179 feet tall and it has 75,000 gallons per second falling in the summer.
The Horseshoe Falls are 167 feet tall and they have 675,000 gallons per second falling. "Why such a difference" you may ask. Well it is because the Horseshoe Falls are almost 3 times the size in width than the American Falls. Another thing that I didn't realize was that there are multiple falls around Niagra. Right next to American Falls is the Bridal Veil Falls. Another that amazed me was how close you get to this raging river- 10 feet in some areas.
We also went on the Maid of the Mist boat below the Falls. Thatc was fun and we got drenched. The boat practically parked near the Horseshoe Falls. There was so much "mist" (more like a rain) that we couldn't even see the Falls once we got there.
The Niagra River is really wide too. There were so many rapids coming down the river that I can only imagine what it would be like to fall into it and be pushed over the falls. On the boat, we were told that in 1901, a 63 year old woman went over the Falls in a barrel and lived. I don't know how; There are huge rocks on the bottom.
Old Fort Niagra is at the mouth of the River where it goes into Lake Ontario. It was a Fort that was built by the French Military. The French befriended the Iroquois Nation and asked if they could build the Fort. They built it to not look too imposing to the Natives.
The history of Old Fort Niagara spans more than 300 years. During the colonial wars in North America, a fort at the mouth of the Niagara River was vital, for it controlled access to the Great Lakes and the westward route to the heartland of the continent. With the completion of the Erie Canal in 1825, however, the strategic value of Fort Niagara diminished. It nonetheless remained an active military post well into the 20th century.
The three flags flown daily above the parade ground symbolize the nations which have held Fort Niagara (French, England and America).
We caught it on a very relaxed day. I guess it can get quite a large group in there during their re-enactments.
Across Lake Ontario, you can see Toronto, Canada on the other side, and the Lake 26 miles wide.
The fort is the oldest structure on the great lakes.
The fort is the oldest structure on the great lakes.
We are soaked after going on
the Maid of the Mist boat
American Falls from boat
Rainbow Bridge from
New York to Canada
Rainbow over Horseshoe Falls
American Falls with Horseshoe Falls
in the background
Niagara River looking South
Niagara River above Bridal Veil Falls
American Falls from Goat Island on the left
American Falls
Bridal Veil Falls
People at the Cave of the Winds
Top of the Bridal Veil Falls
Rainbow Over Horseshoe Falls
Overlooking the Horseshoe Falls
from the US side
Side of the Horseshoe Falls
Wondering if these Canadian Geese
have Passports
Water in the River above the Horseshoe Falls
This River was raging quickly
American Falls from the boat at the bottom
Looking back at the American Falls
Looking towards Toronto,Canada
(26 miles across)
across Lake Ontario
Toronto across the Lake
Old Fort Niagara
Looking towards the French Castle
Trenches showing how the French tried getting an advantage over the English troops
French, American and British Flags
representing the 3 Counties that have occupied the Fort
The French Castle from inside the gates
One of the Towers
The other Tower
Cross that was placed in memory of the Jesuit Priest he erected a cross for God's Favor when the French were battling the English Army
Inside of the Canon Tower
(Sleeping quarters on the bottom floor)
Old windows
Looking down the stairs onto the bottom floor
Looking down from the Canon Tower
(Third story)
Looking West from the Cannon Tower
Looking North over Lake Ontario
Looking South over the Grounds
*Inside the French Castle*
The Commissary
Indoor well that still had water at the bottom
Map on wall
French Castle Kitchen
Dining area and Council Chamber
Crest of Arms
More bunk areas in the jail area on
the bottom floor
Indoor powder keg area and storage
More bunks on the bottom floor
Second floor chapel
Second floor original windows
More bunks in the second floor
Carpenter's Room
Carpenter's sleeping quarters
Officers Quarters
View from Officers quarters
Storage room between Officers Quarters and Commander's Quarters
Officers Dining Hall
Commander's Quarters
Commander of the French
Commander's writing desk
Third Floor Barracks
Shooting slots in windiw
The story of Betsy Doyle
The mouth of the Niagara River going into
Lake Ontario
Lean to on Fort grounds
Looking back at the Fort Hospital
where 48 Kentucky Soldiers were killed during the American Civil War
Inside the Hospital
Across the Grounds
"French Soldier" firing a Musket
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