For more than 220 years, Niagara Falls has been known as the ‘Honeymoon Capital of the world’ – the origin of which is fascinating.
In June of 1801, Joseph and Theodosia Alston traveled from Albany to Niagara Falls for their honeymoon. While on their “bridal tour” which consisted of servants and almost a dozen horses passed through Buffalo, they arrived at the breathtaking natural wonder of the falls. Theodosia was the daughter of the future U.S. Vice President Aaron Burr.
A few years later in 1804, another newlywed couple – Jerome Bonaparte (brother of Napoleon) and Elizabeth Patterson – traveled to Niagara Falls for their honeymoon.
Although the tradition of honeymooning in Niagara Falls began as a wealthy symbol of status, the Erie Canal changed that after 1825 as the Niagara Frontier became more accessible. Soon thereafter, railways brought newlyweds to Niagara Falls on a daily basis.
The phenomenon took hold of the nation and in 1841 the song ‘My Niagara Falls Honeymoon’ became song of the year.