Niagara Falls is located on the Niagara River in eastern North America, on the border between the United States and Canada. The name refers to three separate waterfalls: the American Falls, the Bridal Veil Falls, and the Horseshoe Falls (known in Canada as the Canadian Falls). While not exceptionally high, Niagara Falls is very wide, and a large volume of water passes over it. The scenic view attracts millions of visitors, especially in the summertime. The name "Niagara" is said by some to originate from an Iroquois word which can be interpreted as "Thunder of Waters". Niagara Falls was brought to the world's attention in the 17th century by the explorer Father Louis Hennepin, who also discovered the Falls of Saint Anthony.

The Falls drop about 170 feet although the American Falls have a clear drop of only 70 feet before reaching a jumble of rocks at its base. The American Falls are 1060 feet wide and the Canadian Falls are about 2600 feet wide. There is nighttime illumination of both falls from Canada.

A portion (50% to 75%) of the river's flow is diverted from the visible waterfall to hydroelectric turbines that supply power to nearby areas of the United States and Canada.

Ships go around Niagara Falls by means of the Welland Canal (see Saint Lawrence Seaway).

The area immediately around the falls includes the cities of Niagara Falls, Ontario and Niagara Falls, New York.

An upstream ice jam stopped almost all water flow over Niagara Falls on March 29, 1848.

On January 2, 1929 Canada and the United States reached an agreement on an action plan to preserve the Falls.

There is a memorial of Nikola Tesla at Niagara Falls. Tesla was the first to harness the falls into electrical energy.

The Buffalo Niagara International Airport in Buffalo, New York was named after the waterfall.

Related Links

• Niagara Falls at Thunder Alley
• Niagara Falls - History of Power