Tourism and Tragedy

The Schooner Michigan and its Menagerie Over Niagara Falls

Zuzanna Radecki

Niagara - 2024

In 1827, the iconic spectacle of the schooner Michigan was set to depart over Niagara Falls only to end in disaster marking a pivotal moment in the history and tourism in the region. The spectacle, created by hoteliers William Forsyth and John Brown, was created to garner a massive influx of tourism to boost their businesses, bringing over 10,000 individuals to the Niagara Region.¹ The spectacle would include a menagerie with a buffalo, two small bears, two raccoons, a dog and a goose on board.² This would take place on September 8th, 1827, and due to poor planning and negligence before and during the event, the vessel would ultimately collapse before the Falls, ending the lives of all the animals but the bears.³ This paper will argue what type of planning and preparation was needed before the spectacle of the Schooner Michigan, and will investigate the causes of the tragedy itself and the subsequent impact it had on the picturesque tourist area. By examining the events of schooner Michigan and its descent over Niagara Falls, the different contemporary perspectives regarding local tourism can be explored, while also examining a distinct turning point in Niagara tourism towards greed and capital.

Prior to the spectacle of the Michigan and it's descent over Niagara Falls, Niagara Region saw a rise in tourism in the late 18^th^-century due to the attraction of the unique landscape scenery and space.⁴ As Niagara became a more visited and romanticized region, tourism provided individuals with picturesque views, the opportunity to learn of the unique local history, and wild nature.⁵ Figure 1 depicts Niagara Falls in the eighteenth century, prior to consumerism, as the lack of establishments and attractions are apparent providing a picturesque view of the Falls.⁶

During the late 18th century tourism boom, many entrepreneurs saw the potential that the Niagara Region could offer with the influx of tourists. Many such individuals wanted to transform the area to gain a profit and better their status in society. Amongst those who saw Niagara as a way to gain wealth and status, a Canadian named William Forsyth and an American named John Brown, both established hotels in the area but were unsatisfied with the influx of patrons they were receiving. Their entrepreneurial endeavours were reflective of a growing trend where natural beauty began to be seen as a resource to be monetized which is still seen in the present day. Due to this, the two men decided to work together and created an event that drew in thousands of tourists and created the idea of sending a menagerie over Niagara Falls. In preparation for the event, William Forsyth and John Brown purchased an old schooner called the Michigan from its former owner Major Frazer, who warned them that the vessel would be too large to pass by rapids and would end in its destruction.⁷ The two men proceeded to use the damaged ship but had arranged for the boat to be towed by another vessel called the Chippewa.⁸ Along with the preparation of the vessel itself, the two men promoted the event by announcing that it would be a display of, "Infernal Navigation, or a Touch of the Sublime!"⁹ The method of advertising that they used took the initial view of Niagara Falls as a picturesque area and used the advantages to promote their grotesque idea of an attraction.¹⁰ Figure 2 shows a newspaper clipping from the Buffalo Emporium, dated July 30, 1827, where they describe what is to be expected at the event, primarily focusing on the sturdiness of the vessel and where to view the attraction.¹¹

Towards the day of the event, thousands of individuals arrived in various forms of transportation, awaiting the descent of the menagerie over the Falls.

On September 8th, 1827, thousands of tourists gathered around the Falls in anticipation of the Schooner Michigan to depart at 3:00 pm.¹² The event was highly publicized, attracting visitors from various regions who were eager to witness this unusual spectacle. The Falls, already a popular destination for their natural beauty, became a bustling hub of activity as the crowd awaited the departure of the vessel. While viewing the schooner Michigan, William Forsyth and John Brown had decorated the ship to appear as a pirate ship, where they had strung up fake bodies to appear as crew members.¹³ This dramatic embellishment was designed to enhance the theatrical aspect of the event, adding an element of excitement and intrigue. The choice of a pirate theme was likely influenced by the popular pirate stories and legends of the time, which captured the public's imagination. The faux crew members, positioned strategically around the ship, contributed to the illusion which made the Michigan a remarkable sight amidst the backdrop of the Falls.

On board the schooner Michigan, there was a buffalo, two small bears, two raccoons, a dog and a goose.¹⁴ Animals were selected for their novelty and appeal to the spectators, as many of them were not commonly seen in Niagara Region at the time. The inclusion of such a diverse array of animals was intended to create a sense of wonder and curiosity among the onlookers. Prior to the vessel's departure, William Forsyth and John Brown decided to hold a viewing of the ship where customers could come aboard and observe the animals. Before the schooner departed, the two men proceeded to release all animals except for the bison to roam free on the vessel during its descent. Once the attraction was set to begin, Captain Rough, the oldest captain on the lake, was hired to tow the schooner Michigan about a quarter mile to the first rapids and a quarter mile away from the Falls or as far as they deemed safe.¹⁵

As the ship departed, Captain Rough and a crew of five oarsmen towed the vessel as far as they could where they released the ship and proceeded to quickly pull back to fight the current.¹⁶ Once the vessel was released, the Michigan was able to pass by the first set of rapids unharmed until it reached the second set of rapids where the vessel collided with a rock and lost its mast.¹⁷ Once the vessel collided, it reached the bottom of the Falls where it smashed into thousands of pieces which resulted in all animals onboard perishing with the exception of the surviving bears and goose.¹⁸ The event resulted in over fifteen-thousand spectators who witnesses the destruction of the schooner Michigan and the cruelty done to the animals onboard.

The aftermath of the Michigan event presented a complex dilemma for many, as opinions were divided amongst spectators, with some viewing the event as a transgression against animal welfare and others perceiving it as a triumph for the tourism industry. Following the demise of the Michigan, the only animal rescued by the organizers from the wreck was the goose which was promptly sold to an English gentleman for $2.00 as a memento of the event.¹⁹ Figure 3 displays a newspaper clipping from Schooner Days written on July 26, 1941, which suggested that William Forsyth and John Brown were aware that the vessel would most likely collapse due to the size and route.²⁰ Understanding what the result could be, the two men proceeded to send the menagerie over the Falls for their own personal greed, ending with the death of the animals abroad. The newspaper called the two men fools for allowing such cruelty to the animals to occur.²¹ Yet, in 1829, another schooner named the Superior embarked on a similar journey, attempting to navigate below the Falls. Despite following in the footsteps of its predecessor, it was met with the same fate as the Michigan. However, having learned from the prior incident, when the Superior made its journey, no lives were risked for the sake of entertainment.²² As public outcry grew over the maltreatment of the animals aboard the Michigan, awareness of animal cruelty was heightened which impacted a notable shift in public attitudes by 1829, wherein individuals exhibited increased caution and sensitivity towards the treatment of animals than was typical prior to this period.

After the spectacle of the Michigan's descent over the Falls, many questioned William Forsyth and John Brown's intentions, as they had advertised the event as sublime and a perfect scenery, but the result was grotesque and inhumane. Even with the event resulted in a grotesque matter, there were ultimately no repercussions for the men's actions, as the event boosted the local tourist economy. Prior to the event, many tourists came to Niagara Falls in awe of its natural beauty and the history of the area after World War I. Due to the spectacle and the influx of tourists, local businessmen saw this event as an opportunity to gain a profit which turned Niagara Falls into a spectacle in itself as opposed to the sublime area that it was typically recognized as.²³ Many viewed the descent of the Michigan as Niagara Falls' first tourist trap, where the once picturesque views were replaced with new attractions.²⁴ This change sparked a new era in tourism for Niagara Falls as daredevils appeared and new businesses hoped to profit from the spectacles but many who viewed the spectacles were seen as lacking cultural refinement.²⁵ The new era in tourism for Niagara Falls from this period is still reflected in the region today, through events and attractions such as the zipline over the Falls and Clifton Hill. Those who viewed the attractions as ridiculous were often part of the middle class that could afford to participate in vacations during Niagara's peak season which did have a bias towards those in the working class excited to view the events.²⁶ The individuals who created the events and attractions at Niagara Falls during the 'golden age of tourism' promoted a focus on providing entertainment to all audiences encouraged travel to Niagara Region year-round.²⁷ Along with those of the working class, some members of the wealthy class did enjoy the attractions that came as they provided a new sense of adventure which some people needed when returning to a familiar area. Whether the attractions were created for profit or entertainment, the tourism industry began to boom and this caused Niagara Falls to become the tourist attraction it is today, as they introduced more establishments and festivals. Today, Niagara Falls is still a high-rated global tourist attraction, bringing in thousands of individuals every year however the once picturesque area is now corrupt with tacky establishments.

In conclusion, the spectacle of the Michigan over Niagara Falls in 1827, created by William Forsyth and John Brown, marked a significant turning point in the history of tourism in the Niagara Region. The event not only demonstrated the transformative power of human ingenuity over nature but underscored the growing complexities in the relationship between society and the natural world. This daring and unprecedented event captured widespread public attention, signifying a new era in which natural wonders were increasingly seen as opportunities for entertainment and commercial ventures. The schooner Michigan's ill-fated journey over the falls became a symbol of the fine line between awe-inspiring spectacles and the dangers of overreaching in the pursuit of public amusement. The audacity of using a schooner, typically associated with open sea navigation, in the context of the treacherous waters of the Falls, was a clear indication of the evolving nature of public spectacles during this period.

While initially intended to boost local business, the event reflected a broader shift in societal attitudes towards nature and tourism. It also sparked a dialogue about the ethical implications of exploiting natural wonders for commercial purposes, a discourse that continues to be relevant in modern times. It epitomized the emerging trend of transforming natural sites into backdrops for human amusement, a practice that would become more prevalent in the years following. The schooner Michigan's voyage was not just a display of bravado but also a representation of the era's entrepreneurial spirit, where natural wonders were increasingly commodified for profit. The transformation of Niagara Falls from a natural wonder to a commercialized tourist attraction illustrates the tension between preserving natural beauty and exploiting it for economic gain. This event set a precedent for future endeavours that sought to capitalize on the allure of natural sites, often at the expense of environmental and ethical considerations.

The tragic outcome of the spectacle, resulting in the death of innocent animals, sparked public debate about the ethics of such displays, highlighting the need for responsible tourism. It raised critical questions about the limits of human intervention in natural settings and the moral responsibilities of those who orchestrate and participate in such events. The public's reaction to the fate of the animals aboard the Michigan was an early indicator of growing concerns regarding animal welfare and the ethics of using animals for entertainment. This historical incident demonstrates the balance needed between appreciating and preserving natural wonders and the human desire for spectacle and profit. The legacy of the Michigan's descent serves as a reminder of the relationship between humanity and nature, especially in the context of tourism and commercialization. The event underscored the importance of ethical considerations in the pursuit of entertainment and profit, a lesson that remains relevant in contemporary discussions about tourism and environmental stewardship.