Niagara County in New York is rich in history and has many interesting facts that are little known. Here are seven of the most intriguing:
1. Underground Railroad: The county played a significant role in the Underground Railroad network. Harriet Tubman visited here often, guiding escaped slaves to freedom in Canada.
2. Erie Canal: The Erie Canal was an engineering marvel, built in the early 1800s, connecting the Hudson River to Lake Erie through Western New York. The section that runs through Niagara County is a popular recreational destination, offering boat tours, hiking, and biking.
3. Prohibition: During the Prohibition era of the 1920s, bootleggers smuggled liquor across Lake Ontario from Canada into Niagara County, where it was then distributed throughout the United States.
4. Barge Canal: In the early 1900s, the Erie Canal was expanded into the Barge Canal. The Niagara County section featured locks that could raise and lower ships over 50 feet, allowing vessels to navigate between Lake Erie and the Hudson River.
5. Fort Niagara: The fort was built by the French in the 1700s and was continuously occupied by various forces until it was officially turned over to the U.S. Army in 1796. It played an important role in the American Revolution and the War of 1812.
6. Niagara Falls: The falls are one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and the Niagara River was an important transportation route in the early days of the United States.
7. Tuscarora Nation: The Tuscarora Nation is a federally recognized tribe located in Niagara County. The tribe has a rich history and culture, including the Tuscarora language, which is still spoken by some members of the community today.
These seven facts are just a small sampling of the rich history and culture found in Niagara County. Whether you are interested in the Underground Railroad, engineering marvels, or Native American culture, this area has something for everyone.
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