Carlisle D. Graham (December 1850 – May 3, 1909) was an American athlete, famous for surviving several journeys through the rapids at Niagara Falls in a barrel and by swimming.

Graham was born in Wilmington, Delaware[1] in December 1850,[2] although much of his childhood was spent in Canada, near Hamilton on Lake Ontario shores where he learned to swim.

[1] In 1886, three years after Captain Matthew Webb lost his life in the rapids,[3] Graham had ambitions to follow in his footsteps and decided upon passing through Niagara Falls and whirlpool in a barrel cask.

[1] Despite being told this would result in his death, he persisted regardless and accomplished his objective on July 11 that year, witnessed by a large crowd of spectators.

Several thousand people gathered to watch him enter the whirlpool, but were disappointed when it was instead carried into quieter waters from the American side, rather than through the main current, as would usually be the case.

[7] On 15 June 1890, a challenge between him and British champion diver Tommy Burns involved them to each to dive off Runcorn Bridge in England, swim 300 yards (270 m) then run 10 miles (16 km).

Upon being released from the barrel, Graham was partially suffocated and had to be fanned for 30 minutes due to exhaustion, noting that the lack of air was the primary cause of discomfort during his journey.

Having completed the journey with just slight bruising around the knees and elbows, he received $300 (equivalent to $8,800 in 2023) for his feat, with the money paid by businessmen who profited from the crowd that were attracted to witness his voyage.

[11] Graham announced in August 1902 that he would "try to do what Captain Webb failed to do on July 24, 1883", which would be to swim Niagara's whirlpool rapids, although it was reported that his friends would attempt to dissuade him from doing so.

[12] Wearing a life preserver around his body and a ring around his neck,[3] he completed the swim on August 31, which was his second from the whirlpool to Lewiston and was cheered on by a large crowd.

[13] In what would be his last trip through the Niagara rapids,[3] Graham competed in a swimming race on July 17, 1905, with William J Glover of Baltimore.

Upon being pulled from the water, Glover was described as being "quite chipper", while Graham was "used up" and was carried to a nearby hotel where he had dressings applied to his bruises.

[3] He is buried in Oakwood Cemetery, Niagara Falls, New York, and the inscription on his headstone reads "Carlisle D Graham.