Thursday, April 28, 2011

Unknown Facts of New York City


1. Everyone calls New York City the 'Big Apple'. But why? Where did it come from? The phrase was first popularized by a newspaper editor, John Fitzgerald, who titled his column: Around the Big Apple. He first heard the term, the 'Big Apple', being thrown around by Black stable boys whom they used to describe New York City as place of monetary abundance and opportunity.


3. New York hosted the 1980 Winter Olympics at Lake Placid. The US Ice Hockey team, consisting of collegiate and amateur players, was to be up against the favored Soviet Union team, which had legendary players in world ice hockey. To put it in the words of the New York Times: "Unless the ice melts, or unless the United States team or another team performs a miracle...the Russians are expected to win the Olympic gold medal for the sixth time in the last seven tournaments." The US won and went on to win the gold medal. This victory was one of the greatest sporting moments in the twentieth century and was dubbed "Miracle on Ice".


5. The Erie Canal was built in the nineteenth century and was an important step in creating the international trading center, New York City, which we know today. It was a marvel of its day and was often called the Eighth Wonder of the World. The Erie Canal was enlarged a number of times to keep up with increased trading. The 'final' achievement was a canal 12 to 14 feet deep, 120 to 200 feet wide and 363 miles long. Today the Erie Canal is largely used for recreational purposes.





Everyone knows New York is a global leader in business, finance, fashion and the arts. However this is just the 'mask' of New York. By reading this article, you have taken your first step to appreciating this great city.