Welcome to the Old Scow Lookout Point! In 1918 many people watched from this location as a maintenance boat called the Scow was thrown off course towards the Horseshoe Falls. The efforts that went into the rescue of the crew are a testament to the bravery of Niagara residents.

The Old Scow lookout point is located beside the historic Niagara Power Company in Niagara Falls, directly before the edge of the Horseshoe Falls. In 1918 a boat called the Scow was doing maintenance for the Niagara Power Company and was caught by the strong current of the Niagara River. The Scow and its three man crew were pulled towards the edge of the Horseshoe Falls but were miraculously stopped by a large rock that punctured the bottom of the ship, lodging it in place where it remains to this day.

The crew on board were still in serious danger despite the boat no longer moving. They were stranded and too far into the water for an easy rescue. A local man named Red Hill who was already famous for completing over twenty rescues along the Niagara River volunteered to rescue the men. Red Hill managed to climb a series of ropes towards the ship and helped carry the crew back to safety. It took 17 hours to rescue the men who were exhausted and dehydrated from the ordeal. Red Hill's brave rescue of the men brought international attention once again to Niagara Falls, as both a place of danger and a place of great bravery. Red Hill received a Carnegie Life Saving Medal for his aid in rescuing the crew of the Scow.

Over one hundred years later the Scow has not moved, though its metal has eroded over time. People now come to this lookout as a walking area and a popular site for engagements. Many do not realize exactly what they are looking at when the look on the water towards the Scow.

Located across the street is the Floral Showhouse, a popular indoor botanical garden attraction for visitors to freely enjoy.

Down the road in the opposite direction of the Horseshoe Falls are Dufferin Islands, a quaint park with a series of small islands and hidden treasures to explore.

The Old Scow lookout point beside and all surrounding attractions along the Niagara Parkways are owned and operated by the Niagara Parks Commission

This location is wheelchair accessible. It is maintained throughout the winter however weather conditions may impede physical accessibility.

Additional Reading:

The Niagara Falls Museum created a twitter account detailing the rescue of the Scow's crew leading up to its 100 year anniversary on August 7, 2018.

Articles on the History of Niagara Falls by Niagara historian Sherman Zavitz can be found by clicking here.

Niagara by Pierre Berton is a book that extensively details the entire history of Niagara Falls. It can be found at:

A timeline of Niagara Falls daredevil stunts can be found here.

Drummond Hill Cemetery in Niagara Falls Ontario is where several of those who performed acts of bravery along the Niagara River were buried. To see a list of grave locations click here.

Photograph Sources:

Gustav F. Lofberg and James H. Harris Marooned on the Scow in the Upper Rapids. August 7, 1918. Niagara Falls Public Library Digital Collection, Niagara Falls Library, Niagara Falls Ontario.

Rescue in the Upper Niagara River - James Harris Being Pulled to Safety by Breeches Buoy from the Old Scow That Ran Aground. August 7, 1918. Niagara Falls Heritage Foundation Collection, Niagara Falls Library, Niagara Falls Ontario.

Information Updated as of November 2018