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Called by some the eighth wonder of the world, Niagara Falls is a sight that must be seen
to be believed.
The rushing water, the thundering noise, the mist in the air - Niagara Falls is one of
the most majestic sights on earth.
Located on the border of the United States and Canada, it is one of the most popular
tourist destinations in the world.
Each year, about 13 million people visit the falls, which are made up of three separate
waterfalls: the American Falls, Bridal Veil Falls, and Horseshoe Falls, also known as
the Canadian Falls.
Horseshoe Falls is the largest of the three waterfalls, and is mostly located on the Canadian
side of the border - which is why they are sometimes called the Canadian Falls.
Water that goes over Horseshoe Falls plunges about 170 feet or 52 meters down in a cataract
that is 2,700 feet or 820 meters wide.
About 90% of the water that goes over the falls goes over Horseshoe Falls.
Second largest is the American Falls, only separated by a small isand from the Bridal
Veil Falls, the narrowest of the three waterfalls at 56 feet or 17 meters wide.
American Falls and Bridal Veil falls are both within the United States, and account for
only about 10% of the water that flows through Niagara Falls.
The falls interrupt the Niagara River, which flows north from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario.
Between the three waterfalls, a huge amount of water moves down the river every day.
At peak flow, about 750,000 gallons or 3.4 million liters of water per second cascades
down.
This massive amount of water tumbling so far down creates a gigantic plume of mist, which
can be seen more than 20 miles or 32 kilometers away.
Niagara Falls has long been a popular destination for honeymooners and tourists.
To protect its beauty from development it became New York's first state park in 1885.
The falls are more than just a breathtaking natural wonder, however.
The force of the falling water is source of strength and power that has been harnessed
for over a century to fuel industry and commerce.
In 1895 Nikola Tesla and George Westinghouse built the first major hydroelectric power
generating station at Niagara Falls, beginning the electrification of the United States and
later the world.
In addition to their power and natural beauty, the falls are also known for a long string
of daredevils attempting to conquer them.
For centuries people have jumped, crossed the Niagara Gorge on tightropes, or tried
going over the falls in capsules.
In 1901, 63 year old schoolteacher Annie Edison Taylor became the first person to go over
Niagara Falls in a barrel.
She survived, but said, "No one ought ever do that again."
Going over the falls is extremely dangerous, and multiple people have died in the attempt,
but that doesn't stop daredevils from trying, even up to the present day.
Today, Niagara Falls is a major tourist destination for people from all over the world.
They're a spectacular sight to see, a major source of power, and for some, a challenge
to be overcome.
No matter what your reason for visiting, you're sure to be awestruck by Niagara Falls.