Located right on the border between Canada and the United States, Niagara Falls is actually three falls: Horseshoe Falls (Canadian), The American Falls, and a third smaller waterfall between called Bridal Veil Falls, named for its sheer white glisten. Between Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls is Goat Island, and between Bridal Veils and American Falls is Luna Island, both you can venture to, and witness breathtaking views – and literally “feel” the magic. And the mystery.
And the mystery begins with its name. It’s not definitively clear where the word ‘Niagara’ comes from but it could’ve derived from the name of an Iroquoian tribe which resided in the area between Lake Ontario and Lake Erie. The tribe was called the ‘Onguiaahra’, and that name evolved into ‘Niagagarega.” It’s uncertain how the name is defined, but through the ages ‘Onguiaahra’ has been believed to mean one of three things: “land divided in two”, “close to large waters”, or “rumbling waters.” And even some say it developed out of the Iroquois word ‘onyara’, meaning ‘neck’.
But if the Iroquois lay claim to the Falls in North America, it’s still a mystery as to the name of the first ‘white man European’ to discover Niagara. It could have been the famous French explorer Samuel de Champlain who was the first to write about the Falls (but didn’t see them?). Or was it a French Jesuit missionary by the name of Saint Jean de Brebeuf, who was reported to have seen the Falls first (but not write about them?). And then there’s Rene de Brehant de Galinee, a French Sulspician, who was the first to write about hearing the Falls. Or Louis Hennepin, the French adventurer who was first to write about seeing the Falls!
And if that isn’t enough, Louis Hennepin and his team had built their sailing ship known as Le Griffon, and during their return trip away from Niagara across the Great Lakes, Le Griffon vanished. It could have been a violent storm? Or an attack from fur traders? Or even the pilot and crew purosefully sank the ship and made off with goods? Again, all still unexplained today. The ship has never been found, and troubles researchers even today.
Niagara Falls certainly comes with its share of unexplained mysteries. Which just adds to the mystique, wonder and beauty of such a majestic place. Travel there one day, and discover it for yourself. And, if you go, try to find ‘Screaming Tunnel’ nearby… and take a match with you. You’ll have to figure it out on your own, but it will creep you out!
