The Little Book of Niagara Falls

Book excerpt: When Frenchmen Charles Blondin became the first daredevil to tightrope walk across Niagara Falls in June 1859, he opened the doors of imagination for all sorts of human ingenuity (and stupidity) for which the Falls became famous for more than a century. Since that day, Niagara Falls has become ingrained in the fabric of America's soul, an icon of its all-natural beauty and, for a long time, its most famous spiritual and tourist hotspot, cherished for weddings, boat rides and 8 million visitors mesmerized by the mighty crash of nature's tonic. The Little Book of Niagara Falls is full of all the waterfall-fun you can think of – stats, jokes, quotes, notes, stories, icons, and origins – a tiny tome for your home, maybe even a bedside companion, to inspire your next quest to America's northeast. Who knows? You may even take a barrel with you – and go for ride over the side! 'My blood shudders still, although I am no coward, at the grandeur of the Creator's power; and I gazed motionless on this new display of the irresistible force of one of His elements.' John James Audubon The name Niagara originates from the indigenous peoples, the Iroquoian, nearby settlement called Onguiaahra – pronounced 'Niagara' – meaning 'point of land cut in two'.