 Called "The Cradles" and "The Old Lewiston Incline," it featured loaded carts pulled up wooden rails by rope.It facilitated the movement of goods over the Niagara Escarpment in present-day Lewiston, New York.Several battles occurred along the Niagara River, which was historically defended by Fort George (Canadian side) and Fort Niagara (American side) at the mouth of the river and Fort Erie (Canadian side) at the head of the river.