The Day Niagara Falls Stopped Flowing

Credit: Beth Goldman
Copyright: Beth Goldman

There are some things that everyone takes for granted. The sun will rise in the East every day, we must pay taxes and the Niagara Falls will flow for eternity. At least, that's what we thought until the amazing events of March 29, 1848. One of North America's first tourist attractions, Niagara Falls has fascinated scientists and laymen alike for centuries.

Niagara Falls ran dry. It is due to a South-West gale blowing off of Lake Erie caused ice to jam and dam up at the mouth of the Niagara River causing the water flow over the Horseshoe Falls and American Falls to be reduced to a trickle. On the morning of March 30, 1848, the river flow returned to its normal rate.

Source: The Day Niagara Falls Stopped Flowing