The only woman to cross the Niagara River gorge on tightrope Maria Spelterina.Maria was born in Italy on July 7, 1853. On July 8, 1876 as part of a celebration of the U.S. Centennial, the 23 year old crossed the Niagara River, just north of the lower suspension bridge. Amongst her many stunts was to do the tightrope walk with peach baskets on her feet, wearing her flamboyant costume and hat. She also crossed with her hands and feet shackled in chains, and on another occasion, blindfolded.