Charles Blondin crosses Niagara Falls June 30 1859
A crowd of 25,000 people gathered on both sides of Niagara Falls on June 30 1859 to witness French tightrope walker Charles Blondin attempt to cross the Niagara gorge.
He successfully crossed the Niagara gorge traversing a 1,300 ft long, 3.25 in in diameter rope made of made out of hemp at a dizzying 160 ft above the roaring water. In the following year, he crossed back and forth numerous times.
Niagara Falls, Ontario
Part of the 2003 Tourist Attractions (3rd series)
Canada Post
Designer: Catherine Bradbury
Charles Blondin became so comfortable on the wire over Niagara that some critics grew tired of his “boorish” behavior. While some witnesses could not believe their eyes as they watched Blondin conduct himself as if he was walking down a sidewalk and over the boiling waters of Niagara.
Charles Blondin | Niagara Falls Up Close
Charles Blondin Crossing the Niagara River
The Daredevil of Niagara Falls
in 2024, Elsa Beskow, Swedish author and illustrator was honoured.