Although New York City is known worldwide as the Big Apple. It is also the largest in the United States and one of the most popular cities. Being the home of some of the most famous monuments and buildings in the world, as well as one of the epicentres of art and fashion.
But behind its mythical skyscrapers and history there are some curious facts that you may not know. Join us to discover some curiosities about New York City.
Its original name was not New York
Although the native Algonquins who inhabited the area originally baptized it with the name of Lenapehoking. It would be the explorer Giovanni da Verrazano, at the service of France, who would give him his first European name. Baptizing it in 1524 as New Angouleme.
Although the current name would be given by the English. Well, in 1674 they would rename it in honour of the Duke of York, after conquering the city that was in the power of the Dutch.
It has the first building in the world to have more than 100 floors
One of the icons of New York City in the world, is undoubtedly the Empire State Building. It is also one of the three tallest buildings in the city with 381 meters high and 102 floors. Only surpassed by One World Trade Center and Central Park Tower 3.
Other interesting facts about this building. It is that since its inauguration on May 1, 1931, it has received approximately 100 million visits. But what you surely didn’t know is that it was built in just 410 days. It was also the first in the world to have more than 100 floors.
It is also worth mentioning that since its opening and until 1971 it was the tallest building in the world.
Where does the nickname “The Big Apple” come from?
Although the origin of this nickname is not known for sure. It is believed to have come from New York Morning Telegraph sportswriter John Joseph Fitz Gerald. Who in the 1920s decided to call his horse riding column “around the Big Apple.”
This is due to an expression used at the New Orleans racecourse to refer to the New York racecourse. Fitz Gerald liked the expression so much that he started using it in his articles and would soon make it popular.
Soon the name would be used beyond sports and would be New York jazz musicians. Who would use it in the lyrics of their songs, popularizing the name further northeast.
However, this is not the only nickname for New York City, but the most recognized. Since among many others, it is also known as, the city that never sleeps, the city of skyscrapers, Gotham, the capital of the world or the melting pot.
Origin of the Statue of Liberty
It is estimated that at least 4 million people visit this statue a year. Which is the most iconic New York City monument in the world. But, what not many people know is that this famous monument was a gift from France to the United States. To commemorate 100 years of independence in 1886.
Another curious fact about this monument is its light green colour. This is due to the natural erosion of the copper layer by which it is covered. Similarly, the book that holds the statue shows us the date of the declaration of the independence of the United States, July 4, 1776.
The famous Brooklyn Bridge
Crossing the Brooklyn Bridge is one of the things that every tourist wants to do when visiting New York. Especially since this bridge that connects Manhattan and Brooklyn offers one of the best views of the city.
However, a fact that very few know is that since its inauguration in 1883. This bridge was for 20 years the largest suspension bridge in the world with its 1825 meters in length.
It was the capital of the United States
Although New York is currently considered as the financial capital of the world. A little-known curiosity about the city is that it was also temporarily the capital of the United States for five years. Specifically, between 1785 and 1790.
It is the city of the world where more languages are spoken
As a result of the mixture of cultures, it is not surprising that New York is the most linguistically different city in the world. Well, its inhabitants speak more than 800 languages. Although the most widely spoken languages are English, Spanish and Chinese, followed by Russian and some French-based languages.
Therefore, although English is the common language among people living in the city. It is normal that they speak it with their own accent.
Why are taxis in New York City yellow?
New York taxis are yellow. Since, Jhon Hertz, founder of the Yellow Cab Company, had read a study by the University of Chicago. Where it was concluded that yellow was the easiest colour to see from afar.
What is the longest avenue in the city?
Without a doubt, no visit to New York is complete unless we go to a play on Broadway. But, did you know that in addition to being one of the most famous streets in the city. Broadway is also the longest avenue with a length of 33 kilometres.
Another curious fact is that its name comes from the Dutch “breede wegh” which means wide road.
It has the largest public transportation system in the United States
The New York Subway, or New York City Subway, is the largest or largest public transportation system in the United States. This is thanks to its 1,000 kilometres of track and a volume of 1,650 million passengers per year.
Another interesting fact is that it is also the metro with the largest number of stops in the world. With 468 in total or 421 without counting the connections.
But, with the passage of time, the stations have not only served to transport passengers. Rather, they have become a place where artists and musicians showcase their talents. Although, something particular is that those who want to perform at their stations must participate in a call. And also carry out a casting that only those who demonstrate greater talent pass.
Without a doubt, these data on New York City arouse even more interest in getting to know one of the cities that is constantly changing. Therefore, its secrets and curiosities will never end.
ALFA