maria spelterini (sometimes spelled spelterina and occasionally referred to as marie, july 7, 1853 – october 19, 1912) was an italian tightrope walker who was the only woman to cross the niagara gorge on a tightrope, which she did on july 8, 1876 as part of a celebration of the u.s. centennial. she used two and a quarter inch (57 mm) wire and crossed just north of the lower suspension bridge. she crossed again on july 12, 1876, this time wearing peach baskets strapped to her feet. she crossed blindfolded on july 19, and on july 22 she crossed with her ankles and wrists manacled.