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OFFICIAL BLOG OF NIAGARA FALLS TOURISM |
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NIAGARA'S ICE-BRIDGE TRAGEDY
By GEORGE BAILEY
2010-01-28 12:35:08
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As the weather gets colder and we get closer to February I think about a tragic event that took place on February 4th,1912 on the ice-bridge below the falls. For many years it was a popular thing for visitors to venture out on this formation of ice below the falls to frolic on the ice. Some entrepreneurs even set up shacks on the ice to sell pop,whiskey and souvenirs. However all that changed when warm weather broke up the ice-bridge and three people were carried on large chunks of ice to their deaths downriver.
Word had spread about the break-up and thousands of people arrived at the gorge on both sides of the river to watch hopelessly as the three people were swept to their demise. Valiant attempts were made to rescue these people,when ropes were lowered down to the river from the Cantilever Railway Bridge. Even though the ropes were caught, they were unable to secure the ropes and drowned when the ice flows carrying them went to pieces in the lower Whirlpool Rapids.
It is today forbidden (and strictly enforced) to venture out on the ice-bridge.The ice-bridge(it's now starting to form) is a great natural Niagara attraction but see and photograph it safely from the edges of the gorge from both sides of the river.
For more details, visit:
http://www.niagarafallstourism.com
Comments
cheryl
we are travelling to your neck of the woods this coming weekend feb 6. and were looking for `things to see` is there a winter festival happening close by perhaps,can you walk along the frozen river edge like you can in the summer months going down the ancient elevator across from the chinese pillars(not too sure of names anymore as it has been awhile since we have been any sugestions thanks cheryl
sylvia
i found some small but real pictures of the fall. one pictures of the maid of the mist. they are old . can anyone tell me about the pic? the post stamp was 3 cent to mail.
sylvia
i found some small but real pictures of the fall. one pictures of the maid of the mist. they are old . can anyone tell me about the pic? the post stamp was 3 cent to mail.
George
Sylvia, If you send me a copy of the pictures c/o George Bailey,Niagara Falls Tourism,5400 Robinson St. Niagara Falls, Ontario L2G2A6 I might be able to help.
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Photos by George Bailey...
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