Niagara Falls, New York, a city in Niagara County at the world-famous falls. The city is on the east bank of the Niagara River opposite Niagara Falls, Ontario. It is 23 miles (37 km) downstream from Lake Erie and 14 miles (23 km) upstream from Lake Ontario. The city is supplied with power from hydroelectric plants near the falls. Manufacturing is the basis of its economy. Products include chemicals, paper, abrasives, foods, aircraft, and electronic pevices.
Tourism has long been an important source of income. There are several state parks nearby, including the Niagara Reservation. Within this park is Goat Island, which separates the American Fails from the Horseshoe (or Canadian) Falls. Niagara University is here.
The French built forts at Niagara Falls in 1745 and 1750 but burned both in 1759 to keep them out of British hands. A settlement, called Manchester, was founded here about 1805. It was burned by the British in 1813 during the War of 1812. In 1848 Manchester was merged with Clarksville to form the village of Niagara Falls. In 1892 Niagara Falls and the village of Suspension Bridge were united as the city of Niagara Falls.
Population: 55,593.
