New York - Niagara Falls. A Stunning History

 It all started near the end of the last ice age, around 12,500 years ago, the Niagara River began to flow over a large cliff known as the Niagara Escarpment. Over thousands of years the falls carved through the underlying rock, and as the falls receded due to erosion, it formed the 6.8 mile gorge that can be seen today. 

Niagara Falls is the largest waterfall in North America. Over the Falls courses the outflow of four of the Great Lakes and 20% of the worlds fresh water. 

Haundenosaunee means “People who are Building expended house” and refers to the Six Nations of the Iroquois Confederacy, the most powerful Native American Influence east of the Mississippi. As the westernmost of the Six Nations, the Seneca were known as the “Keepers of the Western Door” of the longhouse. Long known as a portage between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie, Niagara Falls and the Niagara River were significant to the Haudenosaunee. By the mid 18th century, the region was controlled by the Seneca who worked transporting goods around the falls. 

Historically, the Niagara River served as a gateway to the west with Native Americans and early European explorers portaging around Niagara Falls to travel to the interior of the North America. It was a core part of the extensive trade route that brought fur pelts from Americas interior to Europe via the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River.

1825 The completion of the Erie Canal made Niagara Falls dramatically more accessible and a major tourist attraction.

1848 The Roebling Suspension Bridge was build connecting Canada and the United States leading to greater commerce and tourism. Construction of the bridge began with a kite flying contest won by a 10 year old Homan Walsh. Homan was able to land his kite on the American side which led to the stringing of first ropes and then wires across the Niagara Gorge.

1856 Harriet Tubman abolitionist and leader of the Underground Railroad crossed the Suspension Bridge in Niagara Falls with enslaved persons seeking freedom in Canada. For those escaping slavery in the southern United States before and during the civil war, the Niagara River was one of the final destinations on the Underground Railroad before freedom seekers entered Canada. 

1885 Niagara Falls State Park, Americas oldest state park was founded through the efforts of the Free Niagara Movement, led by Frederick Olmsted. Protecting the area surrounding Niagara Falls from further industrialism and tourism development, this park became the role model for preserving natural space around the nation.

In my thoughts this place is pure magic in how the USA protected the landscape around it. There are numerous state parks from the falls, down along the gorge and to the Fort Niagara. New York nailed it in making it all accessible and affordable. None have an entrance fee, just parking fees. With us staying at Four Mile Creek State Park even that was eliminated so we could park for free. The sceneries are stunning and hiking trails are numerous. I think planning at least one week here is recommended.