| 1600s: |
European explorers began probing the interior of the continent, and taking control. The Niagara River became an integral part of water transport. |
| 1679: |
French explorers built now obsolete forts at the mouth of the Niagara River to protect their acquisition – the British also had their eyes on ‘New France.’ |
| 1726: |
The French began to build what still stands today as Fort Niagara. |
| 1750s: |
The bloody French and Indian Wars trudged through the Northeast, and Britain soon gained control over most of the continent. On July 26, 1759, the British seized Niagara after the French surrendered.
At this time, the Iroquois people are still a predominant force as the Five Nations became the Six Nations. The Tuscarora’s had been driven out of the Carolina’s by Europeans, becoming the “little brothers” of the League of Peace.
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| 1796: |
The United States government, in accordance with the Jay Treaty, took control of the Eastern shores of the Niagara River.
After the American Revolution, small communities began establishing around the Niagara River.
During the War of 1812 settlements were destroyed as battles marched through.
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| 1815: |
With the war over, Niagara began to rebuild.
As paintings and sketches of the Falls began circulating throughout North America and Europe, the Niagara Region emerged as a top attraction for visitors.
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| 1825: |
Erie Canal completed. |
| 1855: |
Roebling Suspension Bridge is completed, making Niagara accessible to visitors.
As more people flocked to see the Falls, Niagara became a shipping and commerce center.
During the Civil War the Niagara Region became involved in the dispute over slavery. An integral part of the Underground Railroad, several homes and farms served as terminals to freedom for slaves hoping to escape to Canada, including the McClew Farm.
After the Civil War the Niagara Region saw industrial growth.
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| 1892: |
The villages of Niagara Falls and Suspension Bridge merged to form the City of Niagara Falls. |
| 1895: |
The New York State Legislature created the Niagara Reservation to preserve the beauty of the Falls and assure that the public would have continued access, making it the first New York State Park. |
| 1896: |
The Edward Dean Adams hydroelectric generating plant, the first commercial producer of alternative current, opened in Niagara Falls.
The world took notice when electricity generated in Niagara Falls successfully transmitted to Buffalo 25 miles away. Prior, electricity couldn’t be transmitted more than a few miles.
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