Michigan Woman First to Survive Niagara Falls Plunge at 63

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In 1901, 63-year-old music teacher Annie Edson Taylor became the first person to survive going over Niagara Falls in a barrel, a desperate bid to improve her dire financial situation. Though her feat earned her the moniker "Queen of the Mist," Taylor died poor nearly 20 years later, as her manager exploited the stunt for profit without sharing the rewards with her.

Why it matters

Taylor's story highlights the risks people will take to improve their economic circumstances, as well as the challenges faced by women seeking financial independence in the early 20th century. Her experience also underscores the dangers of Niagara Falls, which has claimed an estimated 5,000 lives over the years.

The details

In 1901, the struggling music teacher from Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan saw an ad seeking someone willing to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel. With no other options, the 63-year-old Taylor had a friend build her a barrel and traveled to the falls, successfully completing the dangerous stunt on her birthday. However, her manager, Frank Russell, then hired a young model to tour with the barrel, reaping the financial rewards while Taylor was left in poverty.

• On October 24, 1901, Annie Edson Taylor became the first person to survive going over Niagara Falls in a barrel.
• Taylor died at the age of 82, nearly 20 years after her famous stunt.