3. 21 elephants, 17 camels and a rooster crossed the Brooklyn Bridge in its first 2 years
Twenty-one elephants, 17 camels and a rooster crossed Brooklyn Bridge in its first two years.
The bridge was completed in 1883, thanks in part to engineer Emily Warren Roebling. She crossed it with a rooster in her lap a week before the bridge opened to the public. People debate whether the rooster was a good luck charm or a symbol of victory, but it made a statement.
The next year, 21 elephants and 17 camels crossed the bridge to prove its safety.
21 elephants and 17 camels were marched across Brooklyn Bridge to prove it was safe for people to cross.
Extra Brooklyn Bridge fun fact: At the time of its construction, Brooklyn Bridge was the longest suspension bridge in the world.
Extra extra Brooklyn Bridge fun fact: Brooklyn Bridge is older than London’s Tower Bridge. Construction on Tower Bridge began in 1886, three years after Brooklyn Bridge was completed.
4. New York City has the most millionaires of any city in the world
New York City has the most millionaires of any city in the world, with 340,000 such wealthy individuals calling the city home. This means approximately one in every 24 New Yorkers is a millionaire.
The top 5 cities by millionaire population are:
- New York City, United States: 340,000
- Tokyo, Japan: 290,300
- The Bay Area, United States: 285,000
- London, United Kingdom: 258,000
- Singapore: 240,100
Speaking of money…
5. There is more than one literal gold digger in New York City
There is more than one literal gold digger in New York. These people scour the streets and find gold and gems in cracks in the sidewalks. One such individual, a video creator called Klesh, documents his process on YouTube.
6. A study from the 1980s held that you are more likely to be bitten by a New Yorker than a shark
You’re more likely to be bitten by a New Yorker than a shark, according to (very old) data from the 1980s. It was found that an average of 1,585 bite injuries from humans in New York were reported annually between 1984 and 1987 compared to an average of just 11 shark bite injuries reported each year in the U.S. during the same period.
The New York subway system is among the most extensive in the world.
7. The New York City subway system is one of the most extensive in the world
The New York subway system one of the most extensive in the world, boasting 472 stations, encompassing 665 miles of track and carrying an average of 5.5million passengers on weekdays.
The subway system may help you get from A to B but it also has a strong creative scene, with buskers offering entertainment to weary commuters and enthusiastic tourists alike. But not just anyone can perform in the most coveted spots. These go to applicants who pass a competitive screening and audition process.
Take a subway ride and enjoy a show while you wait!
Extra fun subway fact: The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel has a secret train platform that has allegedly been used by esteemed guests such as Franklin D. Roosevelt.
8. Central Park is the most filmed location in the world
Central Park is the most filmed location in the world, appearing in hundreds of movies and TV series over the course of more than 100 years. One of the first films recorded in the park was the 1908 short film Romeo & Juliet.
But that’s not the only thing that makes the park special. Central Park is larger than the country of Monaco and it also attracts a variety of birds — as many as 275 North American bird species have been spotted in Central Park.
New York City’s Central Park is the most filmed location in the world.
Extra New York City fun fact: The Central Park Mall is the park’s only straight path, and is framed by elm trees, making it a popular photo spot.
9. Pinball was once banned in New York City
Pinball was once illegal in New York City. In 1942, the arcade machine was associated with gambling. Then mayor Fiorella LaGuardia banned pinball. The pinball ban was removed in 1976.
New York City’s Times Square was named for the New York Times.
10. Times Square in New York City was named for The New York Times
Times Square was named for The New York Times after the newspaper moved its office there in 1904. Prior to this, the area was called Longacre Square.
Times Square’s popular New Year’s Eve celebration — the ball drop — was started in 1907 by The New York Times. It is now so popular that some attendees wear adult diapers to avoid going to the bathroom.
11. There’s a lot of money to be made in Times Square
Times Square supports almost 10% of New York City’s jobs and makes up 15% of its economic output. The Naked Cowboy in Times Square makes an estimated $150,000 per year entertaining the public. And there are a lot of people to entertain — around 330,000 people pass through Times Square on a daily basis.
12. The Statue of Liberty wasn’t always green
The Statue of Liberty wasn’t always green. The statue appeared bronze as the exterior of Lady Liberty is made of copper. Over the years, the copper oxidized, creating the bright green color we all recognize today.
The statue’s assembly was difficult, as the Statue of Liberty arrived in New York City from France in 350 pieces. The construction was a success and now Lady Liberty still stands and welcomes an average of around 3.43 million visitors each year.
13. New York City boasts 520 miles of coastline
New York City has 520 miles of coastline, longer than the combined coastlines of Miami, San Francisco, Boston, and Los Angeles.
We don’t normally think of Staten Island when we think of beachfront property, but maybe we should.
14. The original name of New York City was New Amsterdam
The Dutch West India Company set up a trading post at the southern tip of Manhattan in 1626. Before the city was named New York, it was called New Amsterdam. In 1664, the British took control and renamed it New York in honor of the Duke of York.
The Empire State Building has its own zip code.
15. The Empire State Building has its own zip code
The Empire State Building is a key landmark in New York City. It is so large that it has its own zip code: 10118. This building symbolizes the city’s engineering and architectural achievements and serves as a busy hub of activity.
Extra New York City Fun Fact: Lightning strikes the Empire State Building’s antenna 25 times per year on average. Yikes!
16. Pizza is a huge deal in New York City
The New York-style pizza slice is a staple in the city. This style features a thin crust, foldable slices, and tasty toppings. Since the 1960s, the price of a pizza slice has tracked subway fares, leading to the idea known as the “Pizza Principle.”
17. NYC’s oldest building, Fraunces Tavern, built in 1719, once hosted George Washington
If you want to experience a piece of early American history, head to Fraunces Tavern. Built in 1719, it’s the oldest surviving building in New York City. It played a significant role in the American Revolution and was the site of George Washington’s farewell address to his officers in 1783.
18. There is a secret train platform under the Waldorf Astoria
Beneath the luxurious Waldorf Astoria Hotel lies Track 61, a hidden train platform. Rumors suggest that President Franklin D. Roosevelt used it to discreetly enter and exit the hotel, avoiding public scrutiny due to his polio.
While the platform is no longer in use, it remains one of NYC’s most intriguing urban legends.
19. NYC’s Real Name: Before “New Amsterdam,” it was “Manahatta”
Long before European settlers arrived in New York City, the indigenous Lenape people called the area “Manahatta,” meaning “hilly island.” The Dutch later renamed it New Amsterdam, and eventually, the British changed it to New York in 1664.
However, remnants of its original name remain, such as Manhattan Island.
20. Brooklyn has a lost subway station: The City Hall Subway Station
Deep beneath City Hall is a beautifully designed but abandoned subway station. Opened in 1904, this station featured stunning vaulted ceilings, chandeliers, and skylights. However, due to its curved platform and low ridership, it was closed in 1945.
You can catch a glimpse of it by staying on the 6 train past the last stop at Brooklyn Bridge.
