History of Niagara Falls, New York
Niagara Falls, New York, located along the Niagara River, is a town of around 55,000 residents. With its Canadian neighbor, Niagara Falls, Ontario, it is a mecca for tourists and visitors coming to see the impressive falls. The falls are best viewed from the New York side, although Canada offers more tourist attractions, such as casinos, shopping and attractions.
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History
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The Niagara Falls area was first settled in the late 17th century by missionaries and fur traders. Later, European--mostly Irish--immigrants arrived to work in the factories that developed along the Niagara River. The town of Niagara Falls was incorporated in 1892.
Demographics
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According to the 2000 U.S. census, there are 55,593 residents in Niagara Falls, New York. The population is made up of 76.21 percent white residents and 18.72 percent African American residents. Approximately one-third of the city's residents (36.21 percent) are married, and the median age is 38 years.
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Famous Residents
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Notable--and infamous--residents of Niagara Falls, New York, have included baseball's Rick Manning, singer April Stevens, actor John Gabriel and crime boss Stefano Magaddino.
Tourism
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Today, tourism is the primary industry in Niagara Falls, New York. In addition, the developing Niagara Valley wine region and the Seneca Niagara Casino are big draws. The combination of Niagara Falls, New York, and Niagara Falls, Ontario, draw more than ten million visitors each year.
Niagara Falls Today
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Today, most of the heavy industry that once lined the Niagara River in Niagara Falls, New York, has gone, victims of high labor costs and overseas competition. Gone with it is about half of the city's once 100,000 population. In the 21st century, the emphasis in this region is on tourism, agriculture and, more recently, gaming.
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Resources
- Photo Credit (Daniel Mayer/cc license)
