Appreciating all that makes America special

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls,

What we call Niagara Falls is actually three separate waterfalls. Uploaded by

Now honeymooners often head for Hawaii, the Caribbean, or Mexico. But there was a time when Niagara Falls was the “Honeymoon Capital of the World.” And why not? The falls are definitely romantic and dramatic. Why, even Jim and Pam from The Office got married aboard the Maid of the Mist. And who could resist the destination associated with one of the oldest vaudeville routines known: “Slowly I turned…”

Niagara Falls,

Uploaded by

Okay, some statistics for the factually obsessed: What we call “Niagara Falls” is actually three separate waterfalls – Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. The falls are on the U.S.-Canada border, about 17 miles from Buffalo, New York. Horseshoe Falls is the widest (2,600 ft.) and tallest (171 ft.). Okay, I’m bored with this. That’s what Wikipedia is for. (Insert Wikipedia joke here.)

Over the years, many people and objects have gone over the falls, some intentionally and some by accident. Among the most interesting: 1) a schooner loaded with two bears, a buffalo, two raccoons, a dog, and two foxes. The bears were smart, jumped out, and swam to safety. The others died in the fall. 2) In 1995, a man went over the falls in a Jet Ski “to raise awareness of the homeless.” Is that the stupidest thing you ever heard? Yes, he died, thankfully thinning the herd. 3) A man in 1990 was so confident of his stunt that he had dinner reservations made for the evening. He went in a kayak. His body was never found. Dope.

It's easy to share with friends.

Leave a Reply