La Salle reaches Niagara Falls

The spectacular Niagara Falls

8 January marks the anniversary of the French explorer Rene-Robert Cavelier, Sieur de La Salle’s arrival at Niagara Falls in 1679. Although they had previously been discovered, he was joined on his expedition by Father Louis Hennepin and it was Hennepin’s description of the falls that brought them to the attention of Europeans who made the falls a major tourist attraction.

The falls are amongst the most spectacular in the world and have been immortalised many times. Blondin crossed them on a tightrope, Marilyn Monroe starred in the movie Niagara Falls and many have tried to ride the falls in a barrel. Most of them have died or suffered severe injuries.

Daredevil Blondin crosses Niagara Falls on a tightrope

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