Lithogram by Charles Parsons of the suspension bridge across the Niagara Gorge, designed by Charles Ellet and completed in 1848. Illustration from Buck, Richard (1898) The Niagara Railway Arch (December 1898). Transactions of the American Society of Civil Engineers 40 (Brock University Library Special Collections).

William Hamilton Merritt has been identified through multiple historical sources as the instigator of the first steel bridge over the Niagara Gorge. Due to his experience with the building of the Welland Canal, Merritt was fully aware of the complex engineering that would be needed during the construction. Merritt had already established connections with investors on both sides of the river who were generally supportive of his large scale projects, allowing bridge construction to move forward quickly (Lewis 2008).

In the early 1840's Merritt realized the significant economic value of a bridge connecting Canada to the United States. In order to do this both governments had to establish charters and guidelines, these were secured in 1846 (Lewis., P 2008). During this time two separate companies were created; The Niagara Falls International Bridge Company and the Niagara Falls Suspension Bridge Company. Together they elected William Hamilton Merritt as their president(Lewis., P 2008).

The bridge had originally been built along the most narrow point of the Niagara River. Although the smallest space available was till approximately 800 feet long or 244 meters. This long extension caused further complications with engineering, along with the rough current and whirlpools of the river (Lewis., P 2008).

The project begun in 1848 with Charles Ellet as the lead engineer. The construction had begun with the building of two 50 foot towers on each side of the canal that had been connected by a long cable. On this cable slid a large iron basket that had been used to transport materials from side to side. Ellet later realized that people wished to cross themselves over the gorge, so he just placed a small fee and started to collect funds early on (Lewis., P 2008).

The construction had concluded in July 1848, Ellet had been the first brave man to ride his horse boldly across. The bridge had be open to the public on August 1st of that year. Naturally the bridge immediately had an overwhelming amount of customers, by charging individuals a small fee to use the bridge Merritt's project was a financial success. This particular bridge only served the public for a short 6 years until it had been replaced by a more updated version, and had been dismantled in 1854 (Lewis., P 2008).

Today the Niagara gorge serves as an excellent place to hike,fish, have picnics and even go along one of Niagara's famous Jet Boat Tours along the rapids. The gorge is located right along the Niagara Parkway but the best location for these activities are found closer to Niagara Falls rather than Niagara on the Lake. With much historical, economic and environmental significance the Niagara Gorge is an wonderful space to spend the day (Lewis., P 2008).

The First Steel Suspension Bridge over the Niagara Gorge is the 8th destination on the Merritt Family Historical Tour

Lewis., P (2008) Looking Back: Niagara Gorge Bridges Marvels of Engineering. St Catharines. Looking Back Press