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Niagara Falls has been known as the Honeymoon Capital of the World for over 200 years. Its popularity as a honeymoon destination is said to have begun in 1801 when Theodosia Burr, the daughter of then-U.S. Vice President Aaron Burr, and her husband, Joseph Alston, embarked on a bridal tour from Albany, New York, to the Falls. However, one famous joke about Niagara Falls and honeymoons was made by Oscar Wilde, who quipped that the falls were the first great disappointment of the standard honeymoon.
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What You'll Learn
Oscar Wilde's joke about Niagara Falls being the second greatest disappointment
The joke about Niagara Falls and honeymoons is an old one, often attributed to the renowned wit and playwright Oscar Wilde. The quip plays on the idea that Niagara Falls, despite its grandeur and romantic associations, could potentially be a letdown for newlyweds.
The joke is a typical example of Wildean wit, combining self-deprecatory humor with a subtle dig at the over-hyped nature of certain tourist attractions. By ranking his own marriage, an event typically associated with joy and celebration, as a greater disappointment than a natural wonder, Wilde is playing with the idea of expectations versus reality. It is a theme he explored in many of his works, including his famous novel, "The Picture of Dorian Gray."
Wilde's joke has endured partly because it taps into a universal experience of anticipation and potential letdown. Many people can relate to the idea of building up high expectations for a place or event, only to find that the reality does not live up to the hype. In the case of Niagara Falls, the joke also hints at the potential anticlimax of a honeymoon, a time laden with expectations of romance and passion.
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The Falls' association with heterosexuality and sex
Niagara Falls has long been considered one of the most romantic places in the world, and it gained its reputation as a honeymoon destination in 1801 when Theodosia Burr, the daughter of then-U.S. Vice President Aaron Burr, and her new husband, Joseph Alston, the future governor of South Carolina, embarked on a "bridal tour" from Albany, New York, to the Falls. They were followed in 1804 by another famous couple: Jerome Bonaparte, the younger brother of Napoleon, and his Baltimore bride, Elizabeth Patterson. Thus, a new social custom was born, and honeymooning at Niagara Falls became synonymous with heterosexuality and sex.
The natural setting of the Falls also contributed to its reputation as a honeymoon destination. In the nineteenth century, "nature" was inherently private, and so the romantic, sexual, and dangerous aspects of Niagara Falls were emphasised in the popular imagination. The invention of the automobile after World War I further increased its popularity as a honeymoon destination, and the 1953 film "Niagara" with Marilyn Monroe and Joseph Cotton is also said to have boosted tourism.
Today, Niagara Falls remains a popular honeymoon destination, with more than 50,000 couples still choosing to spend their honeymoon there, according to one source. The tourism board continues to offer honeymoon certificates signed by the mayor, a practice that began in 1949. However, the Falls has not been immune to criticism, with Oscar Wilde famously describing it as the "first great disappointment of married life".
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Niagara Falls' status as the Honeymoon Capital of the World
Niagara Falls has been known as the "Honeymoon Capital of the World" for more than 200 years. The Falls' status as a honeymoon destination began in 1801 when Theodosia Burr, the daughter of U.S. Vice President Aaron Burr, and her new husband, Joseph Alston, the future governor of South Carolina, embarked on a "bridal tour" from Albany, New York, to the Falls. They were followed in 1804 by another famous couple: Jerome Bonaparte, the younger brother of Napoleon, and his Baltimore bride, Elizabeth Patterson. Thus, a new social custom was born, and honeymooning at Niagara Falls became synonymous with romance, sex, and danger.
At first, only the wealthy could afford the journey, but when the Erie Canal on the U.S. side of the border opened in 1825, the middle class also gained access to the Falls. Railways also brought honeymooners to Niagara on a daily basis. The invention of the automobile after World War I and the affordability of cars in the 1950s further contributed to its popularity as a honeymoon destination. The movie "Niagara" with Marilyn Monroe and Joseph Cotton, released in 1953, also boosted tourism.
The Falls offered a natural setting that was inherently private and romantic, with stunning views and charming towns along the Niagara River. Today, wine-loving couples can explore the nearby wineries, and couples can enjoy a bevy of great restaurants and attractions, such as the romantic Falls Illumination Cruise. More than 50,000 couples still choose Niagara Falls for their honeymoon, and the tourism board offers a "We Honeymooned in Niagara Falls" certificate signed by the mayor, a practice that began in 1949.
However, not everyone was impressed by the Falls' reputation as a honeymoon destination. Oscar Wilde, who visited in 1882, reportedly made a joke about Niagara Falls being the "second greatest disappointment" for honeymooners, a remark that was later misattributed to him as the "first great disappointment."
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The Falls' natural beauty and romantic appeal
Niagara Falls has been known as the "Honeymoon Capital of the World" for over 200 years. The Falls' natural beauty and romantic appeal have long drawn newlyweds to its cascading waters. The Falls' reputation as a honeymoon destination began in the early 19th century when famous newlyweds, Theodosia and Joseph Alston, embarked on a "bridal tour" from Albany, New York, to the Falls in 1801. Theodosia, the daughter of then-U.S. Vice President Aaron Burr, and her husband, the future governor of South Carolina, were followed by another famous couple: Jerome Bonaparte, the younger brother of Napoleon, and his Baltimore bride, Elizabeth Patterson, in 1804. Thus, a new social custom was born, and honeymooning at Niagara Falls became synonymous with romance and luxury.
The Falls' natural beauty is undeniable, with its powerful waters cascading into the Niagara River, surrounded by charming towns and stunning scenery. The surrounding area also offers plenty of attractions for couples, including wineries, restaurants, and the romantic Falls Illumination Cruise. The "naturalness" of the Falls also offered privacy for couples, as nature provided a secluded setting for honeymooners. The Falls' reputation as a romantic destination was further bolstered by its accessibility; with the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825, middle-class couples could now join the wealthy in honeymooning at Niagara Falls. Daily railways brought a steady stream of newlyweds to the area, and by the 1950s, the invention of the automobile and the affordability of cars made it even more popular.
The Falls' fame as a honeymoon destination was also influenced by its portrayal in popular culture. The 1953 movie "Niagara," starring Marilyn Monroe and Joseph Cotton, is said to have boosted tourism. Additionally, the song "My Niagara Falls Honeymoon" in 1841 reflected the destination's growing popularity. However, not everyone was enamoured with the Falls. Oscar Wilde, during his visit to the United States in 1882, is famously quoted as saying that Niagara Falls was the "first great disappointment in married life," indicating that even the beauty of the Falls couldn't compete with the honeymoon phase of marriage.
Despite some detractors, Niagara Falls remains a sought-after honeymoon destination. Over 50,000 couples still choose to spend their honeymoon there, and the tourism board continues to offer honeymoon certificates signed by the mayor, a tradition since 1949. The Falls' natural beauty, seclusion, and romantic allure continue to captivate newlyweds, ensuring its place in history as the quintessential honeymoon experience.
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The history of tourism at Niagara Falls
The natural wonder of Niagara Falls has a long history as a tourist attraction, dating back to the 1790s. The Falls were formed thousands of years ago during the Ice Age when water was released from melting ice, draining into what is now the Niagara River. The development of the rail system in the 1800s opened the Falls up to visitors from across the globe, and it soon became a prime destination for travellers.
In the 1790s, a natural gas "spring" was discovered in the area now known as Dufferin Islands. This "Burning Spring" became a local curiosity and was soon turned into an attraction for visitors. In the early 1800s, the tourism industry at Niagara Falls began to develop, and the spring was enclosed in a barrel with a pipe protruding from the top. Visitors would pay a fee to enter the small, darkened building, and an attendant would light the gas, creating a spectacle.
Stunt performers also played a significant role in the early days of tourism at Niagara Falls. Sam Patch, a jumper from Rhode Island, was the first of these daredevils. In October 1829, he constructed a platform 85 feet above the river and jumped into the water, surviving the dangerous stunt. He then raised his platform to 130 feet and jumped again, miraculously surviving once more. Tightrope walkers also thrilled visitors during the 19th century. The most famous of these was Jean Francois Gravelet, who performed under the professional name Blondin. During the summers of 1859 and 1860, he amazed audiences with his death-defying stunts, including lying down on the tightrope, walking forward and backward, and crossing the rope with his arms and legs shackled in irons.
Niagara Falls also became known as the "Honeymoon Capital of the World", a tradition said to have begun with Theodosia and Joseph Alston in 1801. Jerome Bonaparte, Napoleon's younger brother, and his American bride, Elizabeth Patterson, honeymooned at the Falls in 1804, further popularising the destination for newlyweds. Initially, only wealthy couples could enjoy honeymoons at Niagara Falls, but with the opening of the Erie Canal in 1825 and the development of railways, the destination became accessible to middle-class couples as well.
The Falls have also been a source of industrial power, with the world's first large-scale hydroelectric generating station opening there in 1895. The famous electrical engineer Nikola Tesla demonstrated the long-distance transmission of electricity from Niagara Falls to Buffalo using alternating current (AC) in 1896.
Today, Niagara Falls continues to be a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from around the world to experience its natural beauty and the many attractions that have sprung up around it.
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Frequently asked questions
Niagara Falls has been a popular honeymoon destination for over 215 years. The Falls gained popularity as a honeymoon destination in 1801 when Theodosia Burr, the daughter of U.S. Vice President Aaron Burr, and her husband, Joseph Alston, travelled there for their honeymoon.
In 1839, a newspaper reporter wrote about the "cooing couples" at the Falls, both Canadian and American. In 1841, "My Niagara Falls Honeymoon" became the song of the year. In 1882, Oscar Wilde visited the Falls and remarked that it was the “first great disappointment in American married life". In 1905, H.G. Wells joked that the roaring of the Falls was a cover for the "noisy accessory to the artless love-making that fills the surrounding hotels".
The opening of the Erie Canal in 1825 and the development of railways made the destination more accessible to middle-class couples, not just the wealthy. The invention of the automobile after World War I and the release of the movie "Niagara" in 1953 further boosted its popularity.
