The Story of Annie Taylor: The First Human Who Went Over The Niagara Falls

Annie Taylor was a remarkable woman who lived an extraordinary life. She is best known for her daring trip over Niagara Falls in a barrel, which made her an overnight sensation and turned her into a celebrity. However, there was much more to Taylor's life than her famous stunt.

Early life and background

Annie Edson Taylor was born in Auburn, New York, in 1838. She grew up in a large family and was one of eight children. Taylor's parents were Quakers, and they instilled in their children a strong sense of moral values and a belief in the importance of education. Taylor was a bright student and enjoyed reading and learning.

Taylor's early adult life was marked by tragedy. She married at a young age and had a son, but both her husband and son died in separate accidents. Taylor was devastated by these losses, and she struggled to make ends meet. She worked as a teacher, but the pay was low, and she often had to take on additional jobs to support herself.

The Niagara Falls stunt

In 1901, at the age of 63, Taylor decided to make a name for herself by becoming the first person to ride over Niagara Falls in a barrel. She saw the stunt as a way to earn money and gain fame, which would allow her to live more comfortably in her later years.

Taylor spent months preparing for the stunt. She designed a custom barrel made of oak and iron, which was 5 feet long and 3 feet in diameter. She also added cushions and a leather strap to help her stay secure during the ride. Taylor planned to ride the barrel over the Canadian Horseshoe Falls and hoped to emerge safely on the other side.

The launching of the barrel was delayed multiple times due to concerns about the risk of the endeavor, as no one was willing to participate in a potential suicide mission. As a test of the barrel's strength, a domestic cat was sent over the Horseshoe Falls in the barrel two days prior to Taylor's own attempt. The cat survived the plunge and was discovered 17 minutes later with a bleeding head. The cat then posed for photographs with Taylor.

Annie Taylor celebrated her 63rd birthday on October 24, 1901, by climbing into her barrel, which had been lowered into the water from a rowboat. She brought her lucky heart-shaped pillow with her and her friends helped to screw down the lid of the barrel.

Using a bicycle tire pump, they compressed the air inside the barrel, plugging the hole with a cork. Finally, she was set adrift near the American shore, south of Goat Island, ready to begin her historic journey over Niagara Falls.

As the journey began, the barrel was carried by the river currents over the Canadian Horseshoe Falls, which has since become the site for all successful daredevil stunting at Niagara Falls.

She went over the falls at 3:15 pm and emerged from the barrel with only a few bruises and a cut on her forehead.

Taylor's feat made international news, turning her into a celebrity overnight. She toured the country, giving lectures and selling souvenirs to make money.

Taylor's fame and legacy

Taylor's stunt made her a household name, and she was invited to attend events and speak to crowds across the country. She capitalized on her newfound fame by selling souvenirs and giving lectures about her experience.

Taylor was a savvy businesswoman, and she knew how to market herself and her story. Despite her success, Taylor's life was not without its difficulties. She struggled with financial problems and health issues, and her later years were marked by poverty and obscurity.

The impact of Taylor's stunt

In the years after Taylor's stunt, dozens of people attempted to ride over the falls in barrels, boats, and other contraptions. Some survived, while others perished in the attempt.

Taylor's legacy also had a lasting impact on Niagara Falls. The stunt raised awareness about the importance of safety and the need for regulations to protect visitors to the falls. Today, there are strict rules about what is allowed at the falls, and visitors are warned about the dangers of attempting to ride over the falls.