Nikola Tesla was a very significant man during the development of power generation and modern electricity in Niagara Falls, Canada and New York. As a Serbian-American electrical and mechanical engineer, and inventor, Tesla's background in power generation began when he was a young boy and was inspired by a photo of Niagara Falls, and desired to utilize the force of the powerful waters by placing a wheel under the falls. Tesla worked for the Continental Edison Company, where he focused his expertise on lighting and motors. This is where his future in power generation took off, and eventually the inspiration of the photo led to his greatest inventions. Tesla developed the AC system (alternating current) that allowed power from Niagara Falls to be transferred across long distances, in which created a breakthrough in the electrification of America by designing the world's first hydroelectric power plant in Niagara Falls with George Westinghouse. Tesla and Westinghouse partnered with General Electric to install AC generators at Niagara Falls, in which created the first modern power station known as the Adams Station, located in Niagara Falls, New York, in which we will be visiting on this tour.

In modern age, this scientist and inventor was often under-appreciated despite his popularity during his lifetime, but is now celebrated for his achievements. To commemorate this genius and his contributions to Niagara Falls, a monument of Nikola Tesla stands in Queen Victoria Park, overlooking the Falls where his inspiration began.

Many tourists and visitors are not aware of who Nikola Tesla was and what he did for power generation. Typically, those that visit Niagara Falls are not familiar with the Nikola Tesla monument, and are often astonished when they discover his invention that changed power generation. The monument is a site that cannot be missed while walking or driving along the Niagara Parkway, and is increasingly becoming an attraction that is being added to visitor itineraries.

The Nikola Tesla monument was designed by Les Drysdale from Hamilton, Ontario, and was donated by members of the St. George Serbian Orthodox Church of Niagara. These members wanted to create an unending tribute to Tesla as he was recognized as a national hero in his homeland of Serbia. The Nikola Tesla Monument stands on land that is owned by the Niagara Parks Commission in Queen Victoria Park and is open to all visitors and tourists to learn about his great contributions to the power generation in Niagara Falls.

The monument is located on a walkway, along the Niagara Parkway, in which is easily accessible for people with mobility issues.

Calvin. (2016). Nikola Tesla's Niagara Contributions. Retrieved October 11, 2018, from https://www.niagarafallsmarriott.com/niagara-seasons/nikola-teslas-niagaracontributions/.

Kergin. (2018). Niagara Tesla Monument. Retrieved on October 11, 2018 from, https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/niagara-tesla-...

Ratner, P. (2018). Why Nikola Tesla's greatest achievement may be in Niagara Falls. Retrieved October 11, 2018, from https://bigthink.com/paul-ratner/why-nikola-teslas-greatestachievement-may-be-in-niagara-falls.

Tesla Society. (n.d.). Nikola Tesla Monument within Queen Victoria Park, Niagara Falls (Canadian side) was unveiled on July 9, 2006. Tesla Memorial Society of New York. Retrieved October 11, 2018, from https://www.teslasociety.com/victoria.htm.