Homan Walsh

     Without a kite and a ten-year-old boy named Homan Walsh, the Niagara Falls Bridge would not have been built in 1847. The problem the engineers of the day faced was how to get the first line across the steep cliffs, rapids and swirling winds. They came up with a plan and enlisted the help of a 10-year old boy nearby who was known for his kite flying skills.

      First Homan crossed the lower river on a ferry since the prevailing winds came from the Canadian side. He hiked back to the cliff chosen by the engineers and launched his kite. He then released more and more line as the kite sailed to the American shore. Then he waited for the winds to subside after sunset. It was a long wait, but finally the line became slack, and he reeled it in. Unfortunately, the line had fallen into the gorge where the sharp ice had shredded it.

     Due to bad weather Homan stayed with a family on the Canadian side for eight days before a second, successful, attempt. After securing the initial kite string, progressively heavier and heavier line was fed across until a steel cable that connected across the gorge, and the bridge construction could begin. Homan Walsh was rewarded with a ten-dollar cash prize.