A Constant Curiosity

While the first European explorers found Niagara Falls in the 1600s, indigenous people had known about it for centuries, and it did not become a tourist destination until the 1800s. However, in the 1800s, it became one of the world’s hottest destinations and remains so today.

Most famously, in 1842, famed author Charles Dickens visited Niagara Falls. “I can only say the effect this of this tremendous spectacle on me,” he wrote of his visit. “Peace of mind — tranquility — great thoughts of eternal rest and happiness…but whenever I think of Niagara, I shall think of its beauty.” Still, some daredevils loved the Falls for another reason entirely. And they would become some of the waterfall’s earliest victims…