Niagara Falls, N.Y.- On June 30, 1859, Charles Blondin became the first person to walk across the Niagara Gorge on a tightrope.

In what was the first on his many trips across Niagara Falls, on this day in 1859 French Daredevil Jean Francois Gravelet, also known as, Charles "The Great Blondin" became the first person to walk a tightrope across the Niagara Gorge, traveling 1,100 feet from Niagara Falls Ontario, to Niagara Falls N.Y., being the first the tame Niagara's sheer power and setting the stage for many daredevils to follow.

At 5 p.m. in front of an estimated crowd of 25,000 visitors, who paid around 10 cents for their chance to see the historic feat, Blondin put on a show. Halfway across the 3-inch wire, news accounts said the high wire artist attempted numerous stunts.

“He then laid down on the rope full length with the same disregard and carelessness that a person would have reclined upon a lounge," a local newspaper recalled.

The Maid of the Mist Steamboat embarked into the river, 300-feet below Blondin in the Niagara River. Blondin then lowered a wire and retrieved a bottle from the deck of the boat.

He “proceeded to do a number of daring antics and finally stood on his head a moment at least, swinging and kicking his feet in ‘the most reckless and ludicrous manner," wrote Niagara Falls Historian Lloyd Graham.

He finally concluded his high wire feat with a back somersault. Blondin's first attempt earned him international fame and he returned again and again to wow the crowds at Niagara. According to historical accounts, Blondin walked a wire across the gorge pushing a wheelbarrow, cooking an omelette, carrying his manager on his back and on stilts. in total he crossed the Niagara Gorge approximately 21 times.

There is currently a ban on "stunting" in Niagara Falls State Park, but the New York State Legislature has recently passed legislation which will allow Nik Wallenda, a 7th generation high wire artist to attempt the feat. Click here for a link for more information on Wallenda.

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