Kurt awoke with a start, wondering what had stirred him, and looked over at his alarm clock, ticking away on the nightstand. It was too early for it to have been his alarm.

A quick glance around the room confirmed Blaine was already gone, his thick coat and boots with him.

A light tapping on the door made Kurt realize what the original sound must have been.

Stretching as he rolled out of bed, he slipped his robe on before opening the door a crack.

"Elliott? What are you doing here?" Kurt was surprised and a bit embarrassed. His hair was sticking up probably, and he likely had awful morning breath.

Holding up coffee cups, Elliott smiled back. "Open up. I brought you breakfast."

He looked so good, his bright blue eyes cheerful and a friendly smile on his handsome face, Kurt found himself nodding. "OK, OK. Just give me a minute or two, alright?"

Elliott nodded, and didn't seem to mind when Kurt closed the hotel room door.

Looking around, Kurt picked up some dirty clothes from the floor and piled them beside Blaine's suitcase. He pulled the bedcovers quickly into place and then splashed water on his face to freshen up a little. His hair wasn't too bad, just needing a combing and a bit of water to tame a few areas. He slipped on some casual clothes and was soon opening the door to allow Elliott in.

Elliott looked at the two beds, one hastily made and the other obviously untouched, and just gave Kurt a knowing look. Setting the coffees down onto the nightstand, he reached into a pocket of his winter coat and pulled out a paper bag.

"There's a great bakery in this town. Whenever I'm here, I pick up some Danishes and Butterhorns."

The pastry he offered to Kurt did look delicious. He didn't indulge in sweets that often, but these looked like they were worth bending his rules for. The Danish he picked up was still slightly warm.

Elliott took a long sip of his coffee, closing his eyes as he hummed in appreciation of the taste. Kurt was not immune to how good he looked. They had been spending a lot of time together, performing and perfecting the show, and Kurt couldn't deny that he'd been feeling the pull of attraction, as much as he resisted it.

Settling down on the unused bed, Elliott kicked off his shoes and leaned back against the wall. Kurt mirrored him on the other bed, both of them enjoying the baked goods and their hot beverages. Being in the northeast states lately, they had noticed the cold weather more. Hot coffee on a cold wintery morning was treasured.

"So, Andrew is off on another adventure?" Elliott asked as he wiped a napkin over his mouth.

Kurt nodded. "Yeah, I think it was some battleground or something. Apparently there are some old ruins there." He was losing track of all the places Blaine went off to. Finishing his breakfast, Kurt put his empty cup on the nightstand.

Elliott got off his bed, and stretched. Kurt followed the motions, noticing his tall frame, and slim body. But then Elliott sank down onto the bed beside Kurt, looking down at his face, so close.

"Elliott, no... We can't..." Kurt said softly, holding up his hands in case his friend moved closer.

The tall man's eyes were on Kurt's lips, and then flicked up, showing the heat in his. "Why not? Can't you feel the connection we have, Kurt?" He deliberately used Kurt's real name, not Peter, his voice a sexy drawl that sent a shiver of awareness along Kurt's skin.

He was close, looking so good, smelling fresh and wonderful. It was a quiet morning, and they were all alone together. It would be so, so easy... Just to lean closer and be carried away with Elliott's kisses. Kisses that would surely lead to more, more that Kurt was curious about, wanted. He wanted Elliott.

Getting up quickly before he could change his mind and give in to the temptation, Kurt paced around the room. "Elliott, I do care about you as a friend. But I know you know about Andrew and me. You know we can't do anything else."

Scoffing, Elliott shifted to sit on the edge of the bed. "Yes, I know about you and Blaine." His look was challenging as he stressed Blaine's real name. “Kurt, what are you doing with him?”

Kurt stopped pacing and turned to stare at Elliott, his eyebrows lifted in surprise at the direct question. 

Elliott got up. “Look, I know you two get along really well, and you have history together. But look at you now.” He looked pointedly around the room, empty except the two of them. He took a step closer, coming to stand right in front of Kurt. “If you were my man, I wouldn’t be running all around the countryside every chance I got. I’d be with you every second you let me, because you are amazing, Kurt.” 

Standing this close, Kurt had to tilt his face up to look at Elliott, and he could see that he was genuine in what he was saying, and there was real caring in his eyes. Kurt felt the pull of attraction to him, but it still felt wrong. He took a step back, looking down. 

“Elliott, there’s a lot you don’t know…” Kurt ran a hand through his hair, sighing at the situation. He wanted to stay friends with Elliott, but things had a potential to get really, really messy here.

Scoffing, the taller man pivoted on his heel, and walked to the window, looking out at the snowy street scene. He turned and leaned back against the windowsill. “You mean that you were on the Titanic with Blaine? And it must be fate that you both survived and found each other again?” Elliott shook his head slowly. “I did my research on the Titanic passengers, and the only Blaine listed is Blaine Anderson, a first class passenger who was sailing with his very wealthy father, Charles Anderson. Blaine apparently didn’t survive the trip.”

Kurt’s breath caught in his throat, and he tried to keep his expression from betraying anything. He forced out a scoff. “That doesn’t mean anything. Newspaper get things wrong. I was on that ship and you don’t find either of my names on any of the newspaper reports.”

Nodding, Elliott stood and walked slowly towards Kurt, his eyes pinning him. “Hmmmm…I wonder what would happen if some little birdie told Charles Anderson that his son Blaine survived the disaster, and told him when he would be performing in New York. Do you think Daddy Dearest would show up and drag your boyfriend back with him, back to his fancy lifestyle?” 

No. He wouldn’t. Would he? Kurt searched Elliott’s eyes to see if he really meant he would do such a thing. Would he really try to get Blaine out of the picture that way? 

Elliott’s hands came to rest on Kurt’s shoulders, giving him a small smile, the flirty, charming look back on his face. “I just want you to take a long, hard look at the bigger picture, Kurt. Look at the two of us. We both came from poor families who struggled to pay the day-to-day bills. We worked hard for our whole lives, every day, every step of the way. And now that you are finally getting some well-deserved recognition, you aren’t going to take it for granted.”

Kurt couldn’t argue with that. He knew that show business was fickle, and you had to take opportunities as they came.

“I’m here with you, Kurt. Working beside you, making your act better, supporting you. I know how hard you’ve worked and that you deserve this success.” Elliott’s smile widened, and became warmer. Kurt’s eyes were drawn to it. “Compare that to Blaine. He’s off doing his own thing, when he should be a good partner, helping you. Instead, he’s dropped out of the act entirely! How long before he gets bored of slumming with us, and goes back to his old life?” 

The words were too close to things Kurt was trying to avoid thinking about. Ever since Blaine had asked to go back to being just a musician, Kurt had felt a little betrayed about it. His gaze dropped, and he looked away. 

“He takes you for granted, Kurt. He doesn’t see how amazing you are. He isn’t treating you right.” Elliott’s voice was barely a whisper, but Kurt couldn’t help but look back at him. “I want to be with you, Kurt. I think you are talented, beautiful, smart and so damn sexy. We’d be so good together, professionally and personally.”

Kurt was so confused; his mind seemed to just be a whirl. 

But it got ten times worse when Elliott stepped closer, his arms going around Kurt, holding him firmly as his head dropped to catch Kurt’s lips. The kiss was confident, thorough, and hotter than any of the other quick ones Elliott had stolen before. It was a kiss meant to show Kurt just how good they could be together.

Kurt felt it all over. The zing of awareness and he wanted more. Wanted Elliott. Wanted the excitement of a new lover, hungry and appreciative. 

It took everything to step back, trying to catch his breath, regain his composure. “Elliott, get out, and never come back to my hotel room ever again.” He tried to sound firm and commanding, tried to steel his eyes as he stared down the tall, attractive man. A man smirking down at him, probably seeing through it all. 

Kurt huffed and strode over to the door, flinging it open. “Leave. Now.” He waited until Elliott sauntered out, before slamming the door closed behind him and locking it. 

---

As soon as they finished their matinee performance, Melanie was pulling Kurt to the side. "What's going on, Kurt? Your performance was OK, but I could tell something was a little off."

Taking her arm, he pulled her into a dark corner of the backstage, looking around to make sure they were alone before whispering to her. "Elliott came on to me again this morning. He was saying all sorts of things about he is better for me than Blaine is."

Melanie's blue eyes were full of concern as she rubbed her hands along his upper arms in comfort. "Oh Kurt, no wonder you were feeling distracted, having to perform with him now."

"Mr. Marshall wants me to train up another understudy, and I think I'll train him with you. Would that be OK?" It would probably be for the best if he spent less time around Elliott for a while.

She nodded. "Sure, we can do that. You know I love being part of your act." She gave Kurt a long hug, and he sank into her embrace. At least he knew she didn't have ulterior motives to be around him.

Kurt looked around again when they pulled back. "Elliott says he's interested in me, but I wonder if he just is trying to ingratiate himself. He could just be holding onto my coattails, as I get more successful. And then he kind of hinted that he could reveal Blaine's past."

Melanie's eyes widened in shock. She didn't know Blaine's history that well, but understood it would be bad if it got out. "What are you going to do?"

Kurt straightened up, pulling his clothing in place. "We leave for Niagara Falls in a couple days. We will have to talk it all out. Together."

He just hoped the little vacation would go well, and they got back to be as close as they used to be. Blaine seemed to be drifting further away lately. Could this trip pull him back in?

---

"I'd like your best view of the falls, with an adjoining room for my manservant here." Kurt hadn't used his posh, British accent for a while, but it still seemed to work.

The hotel clerks smiled at him broadly, and then scanned over their paperwork. "We have the perfect room for you, Mister..."

"Wright, Archibald Wright." Kurt stripped off his gloves, and passed them to Blaine to hold. As the clerk did his work, he unbuttoned his thick winter coat, and unwrapped his scarf. He passed it back to Blaine as well.

Blaine stood deferentially a couple steps back, their luggage resting near his feet. Kurt's scarf draped over his arm neatly, his posture attentive. Kurt was tempted to smile and nod in approval, but didn't want to break character.

Soon, a bellboy was carrying their luggage and leading them to the elevators. The hotel was massive and luxurious. As they rode the elevator, Blaine helped Kurt slip off his coat, and draped it over his arm.

Kurt's room was gorgeous, with large windows overlooking the river and a distant view of the falls. It was a winter wonderland, so much snow and ice covering the scene in its seasonal beauty.

The bellboy set down the luggage, and showed them the adjoining room for Blaine. It was a small, simple room with a single bed and a small window.

Kurt handed a tip to the bellboy. "This is perfect. Would you please arrange for tea to be sent up?"

The man in his crisp uniform nodded, and shut the door behind him as he left.

Turning towards Blaine, Kurt noticed he had his coat off now, and was looking with wonder out the windows. He stepped closer, hugging Blaine tightly from behind. "It's incredible, isn't it?"

Nodding, Blaine turned in Kurt's arms, draping his own around his waist in a casual hug. "The most amazing thing I've ever seen." He leaned closer, resting his forehead against Kurt's, looking into his beautiful blue eyes. "Apart from you, that is."

Kurt grinned back, and moved closer to kiss Blaine lightly. But Blaine's arms tightened, and the kiss deepened.

A firm knock on the door had them springing apart, looking at each other like they had been caught for a second, before giggling.

Kurt waved towards the door. "Bartholomew, would you get that?" He used his British accent with a bit of the smirk at Blaine.

"Yes, sir." Blaine's attempt at the accent was awful, but he answered the door, waving in the servant with the tea tray. He set it on the low table near the window, and was quickly gone.

They settled in the plush sofa, sipping their tea. "So, what do you want to do here?"

Kurt shrugged. "Wander around and see what we can of the falls. Have a fancy dinner with you. Just have time with you, really."

Blaine's hazel eyes were soft as they held Kurt's. He shifted closer, until his thigh pressed against his. "This was a good idea. I've missed our time together."

Taking his hand, Kurt smiled back. The drive up had been nice. Pretty scenery and singing together cheerfully the whole way, both excited about the trip.

Looking at Blaine like this, far away from their day-to-day worries, Kurt could feel the pull of love and attraction to this wonderful man. His man.

Setting down his cup, Kurt placed a hand along Blaine's jaw, and kissed him softly, sweetly. Letting his feeling come out with it. Blaine returned the kisses, slow and unhurried. Enjoying each other, savoring each other. Taking time to tease by brushing his lips back and forth over Kurt's, or licking his bottom lip with little flicks. Sexy and sweet.

After a few minutes, things heated up, and they both stood to undress slowly, watching each other. Tangling together in Kurt's big four poster bed, exchanging hot kisses.

---

Kurt giggled as Blaine held up his shirt, and Kurt slid his arms into the sleeves. With a very serious face, Blaine stepped in front of Kurt to do up the buttons.

"Oh, so you are my valet on this trip? For real?" Kurt tried to plant a kiss on Blaine's cheek, but he evaded it with a grin.

"Sir! That is not appropriate! I'm your manservant." Blaine used his awful British accent, trying to act affronted.

Kurt smirked back. "But you sucking me off twenty minutes ago was appropriate?"

Expertly tying Kurt's ascot, Blaine shook his head slightly. "Such language, sir." He tutted to himself as he got Kurt into his waistcoat and suit jacket. Kurt was dressed in his best, looking quite the part of a British dandy exploring the colonies.

Blaine's clothes were just as neat and pressed, but not as high in quality, as befitting his role. He had slicked his hair back with pomade for the trip, and it felt a bit odd to look in the mirror, looking like his old pre-Titanic self in so many ways. He may look like he did before, but he felt like a vastly different man inside.

They soon looked quite presentable, and made their way to the hotel restaurant. It was elegant as well, white tablecloths and the best china, efficient service.

"It is my valet's birthday, so I am treating him to a special meal. What would you suggest?" Kurt reviewed the menu, and discussed it with their server, a sharply uniformed man in his fifties.

Blaine's eyes wandered around the elegant restaurant, seeing how historic the building must be. "May I ask you about the history of this hotel? It seems quite old."

The server smiled, straightening up. "The Cataract Hotel was originally built in 1825, but grew larger and larger over the years. It has been quite the tourist destination. But I'm very proud of the other role the hotel had in history."

Blaine could tell there was a story there, and leaned forward. This is what he loved to do in his travels, talk to the locals and hear the history first hand. "Oh really? What was it?"

The older man had a proud look on his face. "You may have noticed that almost all the staff here are black people. It has been that way since General Whitney bought the hotel in 1835, and many of the staff were escaped slaves from the southern states. They had a "don't ask, don't tell" policy, quietly letting the staff work here until they could arrange passage across the river to Canada."

"That's amazing. The Underground Railroad...and this was one of the last stops." Blaine shook his head slowly.

Their server chuckled, clearly pleased at Blaine's interest. "Sometimes, rich slave owners would holiday here, and the staff would talk to the slaves he traveled with, and help them escape too."

Blaine had totally dropped his British accent, talking animatedly. "And wasn't this the area where much of the northern action of the War of 1812 took place as well?"

"Bartholomew, that is quite enough." Kurt laid a hand on Blaine's arm, his British voice reminding him of his surroundings. "Our server has other tables to attend to. We cannot monopolize his time so."

Blaine looked abashed. "I'm sorry, Mister..."

"Thompson, Silas Thompson."

Shaking his hand, Blaine smiled back. "Please just call me Bartholomew."

Their server rushed away after that, and they settled in to enjoy a leisurely gourmet midday meal. They had rushed off early that morning with only coffee and pastries. Silas gave them attentive service, but was too busy to chat much more.

Kurt had to remember to not be too familiar with Blaine, being in such a public setting together. As they finished up their coffees, he noticed an older woman seeming to look their way with a bit too much interest.

"Blaine, that red haired older lady, a couple tables to our right, is often looking our way. Do you know her?" Kurt said softly, trying to be discreet.

Glancing over, Blaine quickly ducked his head. "Oh shoot. It's June Dolloway. She's a New York socialite, who often attends the same functions as my parents."

Kurt thought for a moment. "Why don't you go now, up to our room? I'll finish here and join you shortly."

With a nod, Blaine was on his way. Kurt took a few last sips of his coffee, and then stood when Silas passed by. "Silas, thank you for that wonderful meal." He made sure to speak loud enough for the older woman to hear. "Better than I normally get in London, I can tell you."

Silas nodded in acknowledgment. Kurt made his escape.

---

Blaine was pacing the room when Kurt entered, giving him an anxious glance. "Kurt, I'm sure she recognized me. What should we do?"

Kurt sighed, taking off his suit jacket and shoes. He settled down onto the sofa, looking out at the incredible view. He had warned Blaine about something like this happening, especially since they were in New York State now.

"Well, there's no point letting it spoil our vacation. Either she recognized you or she didn't. We can't change that. We will be more careful until we leave, that's all." Kurt said practically.

Blaine shook his head, his big eyes large and troubled. "I don't know, Kurt."

Kurt held out his arms, and Blaine sat down, letting Kurt hug him tight and soothe him. "Well, how about we relax here for a bit, maybe some reading. Then we bundle up and go for a long walk around the falls. No one will recognize you with a hat and scarf wrapped around your face. Then we can order room service for dinner and leave tomorrow morning. I don't think there's much risk that way, do you? It's a huge hotel, after all."

"OK, Kurt." Blaine said, but he still sounded a little troubled by it all.

---

The air was cool and crisp, his breath showing as white vapour with every exhale. Perfectly white snow thickly covered everything, softening the edges, and made a soft crunching noise under his feet with each step.

Blaine walked beside him, a big scarf wrapped around his neck and lower face and a thick knit cap covering his hair. Only his beautiful eyes were visible, and Kurt was happy to see them full with his normal curiosity and boyish wonder.

They stood at various vantage points, looking down at the gorge carved over time by huge volumes of water. The horseshoe shaped falls on the Canadian side were still flowing strongly, making a mist at the base. The edges of the shore were frozen, with gigantic icicles. The wide river below was iced over from shore to shore, with thick snow on top. Some people were walking on the frozen river, despite many warning signs.

"Want to go down to the ice?" Kurt asked. In Ohio, the rivers often froze during winter and he walked on them.

Blaine shook his head. "Don't you know what happened here last year?"

Kurt shrugged. "I was in Paris then." It was hard to get any news about the US over there, except for what his father told him in letters.

Leading Kurt over to a metal plaque, Blaine read it aloud. "Ice Bridge Tragedy. On February 4, 1912, the ice bridge across the Niagara Ricer, with dozens of tourists on it, broke loose below the American Falls. Three people were unable to get to shore, a honeymoon couple Mr. And Mrs. Eldridge Stanton of Toronto and Burrell Heacock of Cleveland, Ohio. The Stantons are shown in this sketch on the ice floe they were on entered the whirlpool rapids, just before the floe broke up, tossing them into the water, where they drowned."

The sketch was of a couple clutching each other on a small island of ice. He could all too easily picture the couple facing their horrible fate together, knowing in seconds they were going down into the depths of the icy waters. He had seen it with hundreds of people in those last minutes of the Titanic.

He jerked when Blaine's arm came around him, and understanding eyes met his. "Come on, let's go back to the hotel and light a big fire. Order up tea and a hot meal."

Kurt nodded and let Blaine lead him back, feeling a bit numb and distant from everything. He tried to regain their earlier gaiety, but it felt forced. Instead he snuggled into Blaine, held him tight and took the comfort he so gladly offered.

Later, in bed, Blaine made love to him, slow and sweet. Showing with light touches and soft words how much he cared.

Kurt knew the Niagara River deaths brought up Titanic memories for Blaine too. His touch was needy at the end, and Kurt clutched him just as tightly as they found their release. Sharing kiss after kiss as they cooled down, cocooned together under the thick blankets to keep the cold and the rest of the world out.

---

Blaine woke to an empty bed, and stretching his hand to Kurt's side, found it cold. Sitting up, he realized it wasn't even daybreak yet. The room was lit by icy cool moonlight. On the large window seat, Kurt leaned against one wall, looking out the window, wrapped in the thick blanket. In the pale moonlight, he looked like an Ice Prince, a beautiful half-elfin creature that could disappear in a swirl of magic.

Shaking his head at his sleep-fuzzy ideas, Blaine crawled out of bed and pulled on a thick robe. He sat at the other end of the window seat, mirroring Kurt's posture. "Have you been awake long?" His voice was soft, not wanting to be too jarring to Kurt.

Kurt looked at him, his eyes tired and seeming distant. "I had trouble sleeping."

"Titanic nightmares?" Blaine didn't get them very often anymore, but they always left him unsettled afterwards.

Shaking his head, Kurt looked down. "No, just thinking about things...us..."

A curl of dread spread through Blaine. "Us?"

Kurt sighed and reached over to take Blaine's hand, squeezing it softly. "It's almost a year ago since we took that Handfasting Oath, promising to give it our best shot, but knowing we could end it after a year if it didn't work."

Blaine could hardly catch his breath. Kurt's voice was so detached, so cold. "Promising to love and cherish each other."

"I do love you, Blaine, and know you love me." Kurt said, his eyes lifting to Blaine's, and he could see all the churned up emotions in his eyes. Kurt impatiently wiped at his cheek, the tear track still visible in the moonlight. "But it's not enough. I want to end things between us now."

The pain that followed those words was immediate, and Blaine curled up over his bent knees, clutching them. "No, Kurt, no. Don't do this, please... Why do you want this?" He scrambled to think straight, think of something he had done wrong, looking for clues about what had happened.

Kurt looked back out the window, wiping away tears that trickled down his face. "We are very different people, Blaine, from different backgrounds. We want different things in life. You know I was worried about this on the ship, even."

"But I live in your world, Kurt. I'm surviving in it just fine, even before you showed up." Blaine was hurt and a bit angry. Was Kurt really going to throw everything they had away?

Kurt scoffed, quietly. "Yes, you survive, you exist, Blaine. But are you truly living? Vaudeville for you is just a way to pay the bills and tour the country. But for me, Vaudeville, performing in front of audiences, it's my life. It's me. I come alive for it. It feeds my soul." He looked back at Blaine. "I want you to find what feeds your soul. What you love."

"So, in your mind, you're setting me free? This is such crap!" Blaine got up, walking fast around the room. "I was miserable without you, Kurt. I felt half-alive, thinking you were dead." He ran his hands through his messy hair.

Kurt stood up, resigned, sad. "Well, you know now that I'm alive, so you won't be depressed and grieving me. This won't be easy, but I think we will be happier in the long run."

"So, you want me to leave the circuit and do what? I'm not trained in much." Blaine put his hands on his hips.

Kurt just shook his head. "Go explore the world, explore your limits, your passions. You love learning about history and seeing natural wonders. You'll find a way."

"Come with me then, Kurt. We can anywhere, everywhere." Blaine stepped forward, grabbing Kurt's hands. "We'll get you riding a real camel. Travel the Silk Road."

Kurt squeezed his hands, shaking his head. "I left home when I finished school and travelled for years, Blaine. I'm at a different place in my life than you are. You need the time and space to figure out what you want in life. I want to concentrate on my career now."

"And Elliott has nothing to do with it?" Blaine asked, his hands holding Kurt's tight when he flinched and tried to pull away. "Are you involved with him, Kurt?"

Closing his eyes, Kurt sighed. He opened them to see Blaine's gaze searching his. "No, Blaine. He's interested in me, but he's only my friend. He has nothing to do with this."

Blaine's eyes dropped, dropped to their linked hands. Saw that he was clutching Kurt's, trying so hard to hold onto him. On the ship, he had said he was worried about getting off the ship, and Kurt slipping away like sand through his fingers. Here they were, almost a year later, and it was going to happen anyways. There was nothing he could do. With a sigh, he let go, and Kurt dropped his hands back to his sides.

"OK, Kurt. You have made up your mind, and our oath was that either one of us could end it. I wish you all the best going forward." Blaine voice cracked at the end, and he turned away, going into the tiny adjoining servants room. He curled up under the covers, crying into the pillow, until he fell asleep, worn out.

---

A few hours later, Kurt shook him awake. "Blaine, it's time to go. I've already packed everything. Just get dressed." His voice was unemotional, distant, and he didn't meet Blaine's eyes.

Sighing, Blaine got up and mechanically got ready. They were soon on the road back, and they didn't speak or touch the whole time. Back in town, Kurt moved his things to Melanie's room. Blaine sat on their bed, still feeling stunned.

A week later, he left the circuit.

---

-Disclaimer: I own nothing.

-A/N: Poor boys.... Thanks for reading this looooong chapter!

-Niagara Falls: It's been a major tourist destination for hundreds of years. It's a collection of three waterfalls: The American Falls and Brides Veil Falls are on the American side, and the massive Horseshoe Falls is on the Canadian side. The combined falls have the highest flow rate of any waterfall in the world, with an average annual flow rate of 85,000 cubic feet (2,400 m3) per second. The drop on the Horseshoe Falls is about 188 feet (57 m), which makes it incredible that many people have survived going over the falls.

-The Cataract Hotel opened in 1825, and expanded over the years. It has quite a history around the Underground Railroad, with many escaped slaves slipping to the Canadian boarder with boats over the Niagara River. The hotel burned down in 1945.

-The War of 1812: This war was primarily between England and the US, and lasted about 3 years. It was fought in 3 areas: huge naval battles in the Atlantic, large-scale battles in the Southern US and Gulf Coast, and land and naval battles on the US-Canadian frontier around Niagara/Great Lakes/St Lawrence. Canada was still a colony of Britain then. On Aug 24, 1814, the president fled to Virginia as the White House (then called the President's Palace or President's House), the Capitol and the Treasury were set on fire and left in ruins. A later battle inspired a lawyer, Francis Scott Key, to write a poem called "Defence of Fort M'Henry", which became the 'Star Spangled Banner' when set to music. The war ended with the Treaty of Ghent, resuming friendly trade relations without restriction.

-Ice Bridge Tragedy: Many people witnessed it as it happened. Rescue workers dangled ropes from the bridges downstream. Burrell Heacock tried to hoist himself on a rope, but ended up falling into the water and drowning in the fast moving current. Eldridge tried using the ropes too, but saw it was futile, and hugged his wife Clara as their ice sheet broke apart.