Why is niagara falls important to canadian history?

Show all answers

fuzzlestunk

I would guess it's because most of the major battles of the war of 1812 happened within 100 miles of the falls. Later, the Falls required the building of the Welland Canal system, one of the biggest engineering projects in Canadian history.

*ajidamoon* the Eh team

I would think because of the Portage route around the Falls, that the local Natives used for hundreds of years before the first European settlers.......Upon arriving, the Natives showed the settlers to use it as well, so they could avoid going over the Falls, in their boats, or being caught up in the whirlpool rapids, by putting their boats back into the water too soon at the base of the Falls. This was also a major trade route, and the portage has been turned into Portage Road.
There is also the legend of the Maid of the Mist. When the local Natives were dying, for unknown reasons (probably an illness) they decided that a sacrifice was needed to appease the God of Thunder, who lived behind the Falls, with his sons. (Thats also interesting in itself, as the name Niagara means Thundering Waters in Native) After many moons of sending gifts of animals, harvest, flowers and trinkets over the Falls, the dying continued, so they settled on sacrificing the most beautiful maiden in the band. I'll let you read the rest for yourself from the link I have provided, so as not to do your entire project for you!

As others have mentioned, Niagara Falls is a very important source of hydro electricity, generating from the three power plants located along the River. Of course the most famous are the Sir Adam Beck stations, but my personal favourite is the OPG power house, at the base of the Falls. My father worked there for many years. You had to take an elevator, and old, wet tunnels from the historic OPG building, now part of the new casino, to get there. Engagement rings, wallets, cameras and a number of other items can be found on its roof on any given day.

Laura Secord, a major force in the war of 1812, had a residence in Chippawa, now a part of Niagara Falls. Part of that war took place on the previously mentioned Portage Road. The city also played a major part in the Underground Railroad, helping American slaves escape to freedom.

You have an unlimited amount of information, as to why Niagara Falls, the city, the river and the Falls itself, is a major part of Canadian history, all at your finger tips. Give google a whirl. When I was school age, we actually had to go to these places called libraries, and get the info out of books. Here''s a couple web sites to get you started.

Heather T

Because it's not far from where we beat the US in a war...the only time they've ever fought against Canada.

Randy B

Its where all of the bikers put the best strippers in their bars.

But besides that, try looking up the power generation plants in the NF area and see what size area they supply to. Add that with the creation of the Welland Ship Canal to bypass the falls and you have the start of a pretty good project for school.

warbo

CANADA HAS HISTORY I THOUGHT THEY HAD MOOSES

gerryfiore

Sounds like a trick question.
I don't think Niagara Falls is all that important in Cdn History.
Hmm - perhaps you could argue that the electricity generated from the Power Plants provided an abundant amount of 'cheap fuel' - that allowed industry to flourish in the province of Ontario. Good luck. Try wikipedia.org - look under "Niagara Falls".

Enter Your Message or Comment

User Name:
User Email:
Post a comment: