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Niagara Falls. Something amazing in our own backyard!. Thomas Edison vs. Nikola Tesla. Some basic info…. Q: First, who has been to the Falls?. The falls are on the border between the U.S. and Canada .
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Niagara Falls Something amazing in our own backyard!
Some basic info… Q: First, who has been to the Falls? • The falls are on the borderbetween the U.S. and Canada. • The American and Bridal Veil falls are on the U.S. side, and the Horseshoe fall is on the Canadian side. • Water from the falls flows northward into the Niagara River. • The rocks around the falls are constantly being eroded, or worn away. Some day, they will disappear!
Horseshoe American Bridal Veil
History of the Falls… • Early European explorers first set eyes on the Falls in the 1600s. • They have been an inspiration to artists and authors since the 1800s.
In 1885, Niagara Falls became part of the nation’s first state park. The government wanted to preservethe area. Q: Why do you think it’s important to preserve natural features like the Falls? • Over the past 150 years, a number of daredevilshave tried to cross the Falls or jump into them. They hoped to become famous. • Some of these risk-takers crossed the Falls on tightropes, while others plunged into the water in barrels. Q: Does anyone know when the last daredevil crossed the Falls?
Jean Gravelet, 1859 • He was the first to cross the Falls on a tightrope. • He sometimes carried his manager on his back! • These performers drew huge crowds.
Maria Spelterini, 1876 • She is the only woman to cross the Falls. She did it four times. • She wore peach baskets on her feet, was blindfolded, and had her hands and ankles tied!
Bobby Leach, 1911 • He went over the falls in this metal barrel. • Bobby survived, but some were not so lucky.
Power • The energy from the Falls provides cheap electricity to New Yorkers and Canadians.
Tourism • About 12 million people visit Niagara Falls each year. That’s a lot of cash! (And jobs!)
Environment • The Niagara River system supports many rare and endangered species of plants and animals.
Niagara Falls is a beautiful and important resource…be proud of your region!