The Botanical Gardens were established in 1936 by The Niagara Parks Commission for the “Training School for Apprentice Gardeners” 9 km (5.6 miles) north of Niagara Falls. The Botanical Gardens site is the outdoor classroom for the students attending a unique 3­-year horticulture diploma program at the School of Horticulture.

The stately buildings across the river from the Botanical Gardens are part of Niagara University, in New York State, U.S.A.. Niagara University is a Catholic university, located in the town of Lewiston in Niagara County, overlooking the Niagara River gorge.

In June of 1956, water seeping into a back wall caused the collapse of two­thirds of the Schoellkopf Power Station. The United States needed a new power station. Construction of the Robert Moses Niagara Hydroelectric Power Station, named for New York City planner Robert Moses, began on March 18, 1957 in Lewiston, New York, near Niagara Falls.

In the village of Queenston, about 6 miles or 10 kilometers down river of the Falls, is Niagara's largest power station. Named after Sir Adam Beck, the Ontario government minister responsible for hydroelectric development, the first generating station was built in 1917. It was the region's largest construction project.

After the War of 1812, many families settled along the Niagara River in the communities of Queenston and Lewiston. Both settlements became international trade and commerce hubs. Ferry boat services were developed to cross the border between Canada and the USA.