The Cataract House was the largest hotel near the Niagara River bank and rose to a worldwide reputation due to its fine cuisine and impeccable service. The hotel’s guests included presidents, kings, prime ministers, opera stars, and intellectuals. However, the Cataract House is primarily known as an essential stop at the Underground Railway, the network of secret routes and safe houses established in the 19th century to help runaway slaves reach Canada. It was destroyed by fire in October 1945.