Existing comment:
Terrapin Point:
Terrapin Point's name comes from the Terrapin Rocks that were once part of the Horseshoe Falls. The rocks resembled a terrapin, or common North American freshwater or tidewater turtle. In 1829, a wooden walkway was built out of the brink of the falls. From 1833 to 1873, a stone tower stood at the end of the walkway, providing visitors with a unique view of the falls and the Niagara Gorge.
In 1954-55, during the deepening of the flanks of the Horseshoe Falls, Terrapin Rocks were covered with fill in order to create the present observation area. In the early 1970s, cracks were discovered near the edge of Terrapin Point and it was closed to the public. On July 8, 1983, after years of study, a series of closely timed blasts peeled away the tip of Terrapin Point, stabilizing the area. The park reopened a few months later, safe once again for visitors.
To produce hydroelectric power, water above the falls is diverted. When this occurs, the falls' height and volume change. The average flow of water over the Horseshoe Falls during daylight hours between May and November is 675,000 gallons/second (2,555,145 liters/second). During nighttime and the remaining months, much more water is diverted from the upper river to produce additional hydroelectrical power.
The height of the Horseshoe Falls varied from 170-180 feet (52-55 meters). The falls have a crest line of about 2,500 feet (763 meters) and a flank-to-flank width of about 1,000 feet (305 meters). |