<P> The original Maid of the Mist was built at a landing near Niagara Falls on the American side of the border . The boat was christened in 1846 as a border - crossing ferry ; its first trip was on September 18 , 1846 . The two - stage barge - like steamer was designed primarily as a link for a proposed ferry service between New York City and Toronto . It was a 72 - foot - long side - wheeler with an 18 - foot beam which was powered by steam produced from a wood - and coal - fired boiler . It could carry up to 100 passengers . </P>
<P> The original Maid of the Mist was built at a landing near Niagara Falls on the American side of the border . The boat was christened in 1846 as a border - crossing ferry ; its first trip was on September 18 , 1846 . The two - stage barge - like steamer was designed primarily as a link for a proposed ferry service between New York City and Toronto . It was a 72 - foot - long side - wheeler with an 18 - foot beam which was powered by steam produced from a wood - and coal - fired boiler . It could carry up to 100 passengers . </P>
when did the maid of the mist begin
when did the maid of the mist begin
September 18 , 1846
September 18 , 1846