Going Over Niagara Falls in a Barrel on This Day in History

 

This Day in History: Annie Edson Taylor became the first person to go over Niagara Falls without in a barrel on this day in 1901...without dying in the process. She was a 63 year old teacher. Since 1850, more than 5,000 people have gone over Niagara Falls, either intentionally (as stunts or suicide attempts) or accidentally, and only 17 have survived. On average, between 20 and 30 people die going over the falls each year. The majority of deaths are suicides—and most take place from the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, and many are not publicized by officials. There is actually a fine for going over the falls ($10,000 on the Canadian side, and $25,000 on the US side).

David Copperfield and the Niagara Falls