A cat was the first Queen Of The Mist and other facts unbeknownst to many
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| By
Jade Ali
(Updated on Aug 29, 2025)
Queen of the Mist made its UK premiere at the Jack Studio Theatre before transferring to London’s Charing Cross Theatre in 2019 for a limited run. This powerful and inspiring Off-Broadway musical tells the remarkable true story of Annie Edson Taylor, the first woman to survive a trip over Niagara Falls in a barrel.
Originally premiering in New York in 2011, the musical was praised for its bold storytelling and moving score, winning the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Musical and receiving six Drama Desk Award nominations. Though its West End run has now ended, Annie’s extraordinary story continues to captivate audiences around the world.
Here are 10 incredible facts about Annie Edson Taylor, the real “Queen of the Mist,” that you might not know:
1. Her cat was the first to survive Niagara Falls
Before risking her own life, Annie sent her cat over the Falls in the barrel. The cat survived unharmed, making it the true first “Queen of the Mist.” Annie even posed for a photo with her calm companion afterwards.
2. Annie built her own barrel
A true innovator, Annie designed the barrel herself. It stood five feet tall, just over three feet wide, and was fitted with cushions, a leather harness, and even a 200-pound anvil to weigh it down.
3. Her manager stole the barrel
After her daring stunt, Annie’s manager disappeared with the barrel she had planned to use for lectures and publicity. Despite hiring a private investigator, she never recovered it.
4. She was 63 - not 40
Annie lied about her age to generate press, claiming to be in her 40s. In reality, she made her historic leap on her 63rd birthday, 24 October 1901.
5. New laws were created after her stunt
Authorities on both the American and Canadian sides of Niagara Falls passed laws to prevent copycats. Today, anyone attempting the stunt faces fines and legal action.
6. She inspired many imitators
Between 1901 and 1995, at least 15 others attempted to survive the Falls in different contraptions – but only 10 lived to tell the tale. The next successful attempt came in 1911 by Bobby Leach in a steel barrel.
7. Fame didn’t bring fortune
Although she gained brief fame, Annie struggled financially after her stunt. Without her barrel for publicity, she was unable to capitalise fully on her achievement.
8. From teacher to daredevil
Before becoming a “stunter,” Annie worked as a teacher and was widowed young. Hoping her feat at Niagara Falls would secure financial stability, she took the ultimate leap of faith.
9. She was buried near Niagara Falls
Despite dying penniless, friends raised money to have Annie buried close to the famous landmark she conquered, where visitors can still pay their respects today.
10. The stunt only lasted 20 minutes
Annie’s life-defining achievement took just about 20 minutes. After being released into the river, her barrel disappeared into the mist before re-emerging safely downstream.
Queen of the Mist remains a fascinating and inspiring story, both on stage and in history, proving why Annie Edson Taylor is remembered as the daring woman who conquered Niagara Falls.