Niagara: A History of the Falls
Situated between the state of New York and the province of Ontario, Niagara Falls is one of the most spectacular natural wonders on the North American continent. The falls are on the Niagara River, which flows between the United States and Canada from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. The falls are one of the most enduring landmarks of North America, from its legendary power which awed Native Americans and European explorers to its standing as one of the most visited tourist attractions in the world. This History Channel special examines the natural and commercial history of the falls and its role in the development of North American culture, high and low. Students will analyze the formation of the Niagara Falls and the effects of the falls on American and Canadian history, its role in the industrial development of the 19th and 20th centuries, and the advent of tourism. Students will be able to examine and compare natural events and human-influenced events, and how they combine to create the history of the falls.
Niagara: A History of the Falls would be useful for classes on American History, Canadian History, Natural History, Environmentalism, Science, Geography and Commerce. It is appropriate for middle school and high school.
Niagara: A History of the Falls fulfills the following National Standards for History for grades 5-12: Chronological thinking, historical comprehension, historical analysis and interpretation, historical research capabilities, historical issues-analysis and decision-making for Era 1, Era 2, Era 4, Era 6, Era 7, Era 9, and Era 10.
Part 1
Discussion Questions
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Niagara Falls is one of nature’s greatest natural wonders. What are some of the others?
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Many who see the falls for the first time experience an emotional response. What are some of these emotions? Why do the falls evoke such responses?
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Annie Edson Taylor was the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel, a legendary stunt. Why did she risk her life to do so?
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Who was “Red the River Man?” How did he earn his living?
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When we think of agents of history (those that cause history to happen), we usually think of people. But geography can also be a cause of history. How have the Niagara Falls been agents of history?
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Father Louis Hennepin, the first European to view the falls, exaggerated in his description of the falls for his European readers. Why?
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What are the origins of the falls?
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How did the turbulence of the falls reflect the wildness of the New World?
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Niagara Falls remains one of the world’s most popular tourist attractions. Why and when did it become a popular destination for tourists?
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What is an irony? What are some of the ironies of the falls?
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The railroad dominated the industrial development of the 19th century. How did the railroad influence the history of the falls?
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Frederic Church successfully captured the falls on canvas, a feat many before his failed to accomplish. Why was it so difficult to paint the falls?
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In the 19th century, the area surrounding the falls declined. Why?
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Discuss the “Battle of the Currents” and how it exemplifies late 18th and early 19th century industry and competition.
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How have the falls contribute to the technological advances of the 20th century?
Extended Activities
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Design broadside advertising the death-defying feat of Annie Edson Taylor.
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Create a 19th century guidebook for Niagara Falls’ tourists.
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Create a timeline of the industrial and commercial development of Niagara Falls and the surrounding region.
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Research the Love Canal crisis of the 1970s. How did this tragedy help to raise environmental awareness?
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