WHAT DID THEY FIND?

When the water slowed to a trickle, and the rocks that had been hidden underwater for thousands of years were visible, engineers found something both shocking and horrifying: lying on the riverbed were millions of coins. As they explored further, they stumbled across human remains. Now engineers want to drain Niagara Falls and what they might find could shock the world. In the coming years, the waters on the American side will be diverted to the Canadian side, exposing the rock bed. In 1969 researchers needed to explore the riverbed and examine the walls of Niagara River to better understand its rock composition. This time around engineers are going to take advantage of drained Niagra Falls to repair bridges that have been in use for over a century.

The dewatering of Niagara Falls in 1969 was indeed a significant event that attracted a lot of attention. The purpose of the dewatering was not to completely stop the flow of water but rather to divert it from the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls to the larger Horseshoe Falls on the Canadian side. This diversion was achieved by constructing a temporary 600-foot dam across the Niagara River.

The diversion of water increased the already substantial flow over Horseshoe Falls, making it a more spectacular sight for onlookers. The rock faces of the American Falls and Bridal Veil Falls, which were normally obscured by the rushing water, were exposed, revealing their height of 70 to 100 feet. This exposed riverbed attracted thousands of visitors who came to witness this rare event and take photographs.

During the dewatering process, various interesting discoveries were made. One notable find was the large number of coins that had accumulated on the riverbed over time. These coins were collected, although it is unclear what happened to the money afterward. Additionally, two sets of human remains were discovered during this time. These remains did not belong to individuals involved in any known accidents at the falls, leaving authorities puzzled about their identities.

Niagara Falls has a long history of tragic accidents and deaths, often resulting from people making reckless decisions near the falls. This unfortunate trend dates back to the 1800s when people engaged in risky activities or performed dangerous stunts in the vicinity of the landmark. While the dewatering in 1969 did not directly contribute to these deaths, it served as a reminder of the dangers associated with the falls.

It is worth noting that since 1969, there have been no further instances of dewatering Niagara Falls, and it is highly unlikely that the Horseshoe Falls will ever be dewatered due to its substantial water flow and the challenges involved in such an endeavor.

The stories of Joseph Avery and Annie Edson Taylor are indeed remarkable events associated with Niagara Falls.

Joseph Avery's tragic incident occurred on July 19, 1853. After a day of work and drinking with two friends on Goat Island, they decided to row back to the mainland. Unfortunately, their intoxicated state led to poor decisions, and their boat capsized in the turbulent waters. Avery managed to grab onto tree roots and held on while witnessing his friends being swept over the American Falls to their deaths. Avery himself survived for 18 hours before help arrived. A rescue team attempted to reach him but was unable to do so without risking their own lives. Ultimately, as they tried to rescue Avery with a tethered boat, the turbulence caused the boat to capsize, and Avery was swept down the river, plunging over the falls and losing his life. The rock he clung to became known as "Avery's Rock" in his memory.

Annie Edson Taylor's story took place on October 24, 1901. Annie, a schoolteacher struggling financially, devised a plan to gain fame and wealth. Two days before her attempt, she sent her cat over the falls in a barrel, and it survived. Convinced that she could survive as well, Annie climbed into a wooden barrel with an air hole drilled into it and went over Niagara Falls. A crowd of spectators witnessed the barrel bobbing in the fast-moving water before disappearing over the falls. When the barrel was eventually recovered, Annie was found alive, albeit with some bumps and bruises. She became the first person to survive going over Niagara Falls in a barrel.

Both stories highlight the dangers and risks associated with Niagara Falls. While Joseph Avery's experience ended tragically, Annie Edson Taylor's barrel stunt defied the odds and made her famous. However, it's important to note that going over the falls, whether intentionally or accidentally, is an extremely perilous act, and such attempts should never be encouraged or attempted due to the high risk of injury or death.

The dewatering of Niagara Falls in 1969 did uncover some unsettling discoveries, as you mentioned. The first unidentified skeleton found on the American side of the falls raised questions about its origin and remains a mystery to this day. The research teams and investigative teams made efforts to preserve the remains and conduct analysis, but unfortunately, they were unable to determine the identity of the individual.

Additionally, a tragic incident occurred during the dewatering when a man fell from the newly exposed rock face and landed among the rocks below. Despite rescue efforts, it took several days to recover the body, and work resumed afterward. Such accidents serve as a reminder of the dangers associated with the falls and the need for caution when exploring the area.

On a less grim note, the dewatering also revealed an abundance of coins in the riverbed. Millions of coins, mainly from the United States and Canada, were discovered by the research teams and collected. It is interesting to speculate what objects might be uncovered if the American side of Niagara Falls is drained again in the future, considering the technological advancements that have occurred since 1969. Objects like cell phones, drones, cameras, and more may potentially be found wedged between the rocks.

While there are no known missing bodies associated with people going over the falls, the possibility of finding human remains cannot be entirely ruled out. Accidents do occur, and it is conceivable that individuals may have gone missing while traveling alone. Only time will reveal what other artifacts and potential discoveries await once the waters of Niagara cease to flow again.