There are differing theories as to the
origin of the name of the falls. According to Iroquoian scholar Bruce Trigger,
"Niagara" is derived from the name given to a branch of the locally
residing native Neutral Confederacy, who is described as being called the
"Niagagarega" people on several late 17th century French maps of the
area. According to George R. Stewart, it comes from the name of an Iroquois
town called "Ongniaahra", meaning "point of land cut in
two". Henry Schoolcraft reported:
"Niagara Falls. This name is Mohawk.
It means, according to
