Annie Edson Taylor becomes the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel
Annie Edson Taylor, a 63-year-old schoolteacher from Michigan, became the first person to survive going over Niagara Falls in a barrel. Her motivation was largely financial—she hoped the stunt would bring her fame and fortune, allowing her to live comfortably.
The Barrel: Taylor used a specially designed barrel made of oak and iron, padded with a mattress to protect her from the impact. It was about 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide, large enough for her to fit inside but small enough to float and be manageable.
The Plunge: Taylor entered the barrel near the American shore and was set adrift in the Niagara River. After floating towards the edge, the barrel went over the 167-foot Horseshoe Falls.
Survival: Miraculously, Taylor survived the fall with only minor injuries—a small cut on her head—but the fame and fortune she sought didn’t materialize as she had hoped. Despite her survival, she warned others never to attempt the stunt, saying, “No one ought ever do that again.”