On July 11, 1920, the third person to attempt going over Niagara Falls in a barrel was Charles Stephens, a 58-year-old barber from Bristol, England.
Stephens hoped the stunt would make him famous. If he survived, he planned to travel with the barrel and give lectures about his daring adventure.
To help keep the barrel upright, he brought along an unusual piece of ballast — a heavy blacksmith’s anvil tied inside with him. The idea was that the extra weight would stabilize the barrel as it went over Horseshoe Falls. Tragically, that decision may have done the opposite, increasing the force of the impact when the barrel struck the water below.
Before the attempt, someone asked him what would happen if he didn’t come back.
“No use supposing,” Stephens replied. “You does it or you doesn’t. I bet I does.”
Unfortunately, he didn’t.
When the wreckage was recovered from the Niagara River, the barrel had been smashed to pieces. The only thing the river eventually gave up was Stephens’ right arm, which washed ashore near the Maid of the Mist Landing on the Canadian side. His widow identified it by a tattoo.
The arm was later buried in an unmarked grave at Drummond Hill Cemetery.
Back in England, his regular customers had to find someone else to cut their hair.
Stories like the attempt by Charles Stephens remind visitors that Niagara Falls has always inspired people to test the limits of courage — and sometimes common sense.
Standing beside the roaring water of Horseshoe Falls, it’s easy to understand why these daring attempts captured the world’s attention. The power of the river, the height of the drop, and the sheer force of nature make it almost impossible to imagine anyone willingly going over the edge.
By sharing these stories while guests are looking at the Falls themselves, the history becomes more than just words. It turns the view into a place where real people once risked everything for fame, fortune, and adventure.
And that makes the experience of Niagara Falls even more unforgettable.
The story of Charles Stephens is just one of the many unforgettable moments tied to the mighty Horseshoe Falls.
Standing at the brink, hearing the thunder of the water, and learning the stories behind the view brings Niagara Falls to life in a way photos and articles never can.
Join us on our guided day tour and experience the sights, history, and dramatic stories that make Niagara one of the most fascinating places in Canada.
Best Niagara Falls tour in Canada for 20 years.
