Unique Moments in Niagara’s history
The Niagara River corridor has played host to some of the most monumental events in Canadian history, including the War of 1812 and Fenian Raids, the Underground Railroad and the advent of hydroelectric power generation in Ontario.
Unique Moments in Niagara’s history
The Niagara River corridor has played host to some of the most monumental events in Canadian history, including the War of 1812 and Fenian Raids, the Underground Railroad and the advent of hydroelectric power generation in Ontario. From the sights, sounds and smells of Canada’s bloodiest battlefield at Old Fort Erie, to the charming nature of the historic Laura Secord Homestead and McFarland House, and 500 years of printing technology at the Mackenzie Printery, there’s an abundance of opportunities to explore key moments in Niagara’s history. Step back in time at these unique Niagara Parks’ heritage sites you may have yet to discover along the Niagara Parkway!THE IRON SCOW
The iconic Iron Scow has been a permanent fixture in the upper Niagara River for over 100 years. On August 6, 1918, the dumping scow broke loose from its towing tug about 1.6 kilometres upriver and became lodged in the river’s shallow rapids. Since then, high winds forced the scow to turn its position a century later and shift further toward the brink of the falls. While still lodged in the powerful rapids of the upper Niagara River, the future of the legendary scow remains uncertain.August 6, 1918
A dumping scow with two men aboard broke loose from its towing tug and became lodged in the rapids of the upper Niagara River.
Quick Thinking
Gustav F. Lofberg and James H. Harris, the two men aboard, quickly opened the bottom dumping doors and the scow grounded in the shallow rapids, only 600 metres from the brink of the Horseshoe Falls.
The Rescue
The two men were successfully rescued the next day by breeches buoy on a line shot out from the roof of the adjacent powerhouse. Rescuers included the Niagara Parks police, the Niagara Falls fire and police departments, the U.S. Coast Guard and recently returned WWI veteran, William ‘Red’ Hill Sr.