The Great Blondin

Jean Francois Gravelot, or as he called himself, "The Great Blondin," arrived in Niagara in 1858 after fleeing his native France under mysterious circumstances. He soon became obsessed with the idea of crossing the Falls by way of tightrope. On June 30, 1859, after extensive training he finally accomplished his goal, walking across a 1,100 foot long and 3 inch in diameter manila rope stretched from Niagara, New York to Oakes Garden, Ontario. Using nothing to support himself but a 30 foot pole for balance, he walked across Niagara Falls in twenty minutes. He crossed it eight more times that summer, culminating on August 14, when he accomplished the act while simultaneously carrying his manager, Harry Colcord, on his back. Bravo!