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Date Range
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September 8, 1827 – September 8, 1827
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Title
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The Michigan Over Niagara
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What occurred
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In 1827, Niagara Falls hotel owners looked to increase visitor interaction with the Falls in order for tourists to stay longer and spend more money. Therefore they organized for an old mercantile vessel named "The Michigan" to be loaded with wild animals, lit on fire, and allowed to float down the Falls so that tourists could watch it smash into a thousand pieces. In total 23 animals were aboard, including two bears and a bison, while 20,000 people spectated. This event illustrated a public view that Niagara Falls wasn't exciting enough on its own, and that more was needed to captivate an audience than just the natural and unique beauty that they offer. Additionally, the animal abuse clearly demonstrated European views on the natural world that the environment, and its wildlife, were created to be dominated by man.
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Location
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10 Rainbow Blvd, Niagara Falls, NY 14303
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Image Citation
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"Niagara Falls." , directed by Lawrence R. Hott, and Diane Garey. , produced by Hott Productions, Florentine Films, and WNED-TV. , Public Broadcasting Service, 2006. Alexander Street, https://video.alexanderstreet.com/watch/niagara-falls-3.
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Student name(s)
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Thomas Schrader
