A little history, a little trivia

Enough of art. You will never understand or appreciate New York City until you know its history. NYC was founded by the Dutch and even back in the 16th Century it was noted that, at any given time, several different languages could be heard on the streets of New Amsterdam (the first name of New York). The Dutch, who settled the first colony, were a tolerant people. It is one of the traditions they brought to the New Land. In addition, the Dutch brought the tradition of free trade. One actually led to the other. If one wants free trade, one must be tolerant in order to attract many customers. These two traditions, tolerance and free trade evolved in New York (the city was renamed after the English took the colony) to become part of the new country formed by the thirteen colonies. New York remains extremely tolerant today. You will find a little of everything and everyone here and this diversity gives the city its color and spice. New York throughout history has been a major center of trade. Its importance as a trade center was evidenced by the fortifications the new country installed to protect its harbor during the war of 1812. Washington D.C. fell to the British but New York was protected by a trio of forts at Governor's Island, Clinton Castle, at Battery Park and the fort at what is now the base of the Statue of Liberty. For this reason, you can find anything your heart desires in this city. If something is made anywhere in the world and shipped to the U.S., it is for sale in New York City.

A little trivia: Yes, Manhattan was sold for wampum (beads), yes they did build a wall on what is now Wall Street (This wall was to keep out invaders, however, when Indians attacked the city, they simply walked around the wall.) Canal street was a canal that transected the Island probably used by the Natives to cross from the East to the Hudson Rivers. Pearl street was a trail where the Natives dumped oyster shells. There is no natural drinkable water in New York, as the early New Yorkers polluted all natural resources. It must all be imported from North of the city. The bread products such as the pizza dough and the bagels are believed to get their unique and highly desirable qualities from that imported water.

Why is New York called the "Big Apple." I have found there are two explanations. One has to do with horse racing. The track in horse racing was referred to as the apple. The most important races were held in New York. It was the "Big Apple." A similar explanation has to do with show business. A performance venue was call the Apple. The number one performance venue was and still is New York City, thus it is "the Big Apple." The term became really popular during an advertising campaign for New York tourism. I have been told that before it was called the Big Apple, it was called the "Big Onion." As soon as I learn why I will get back to you.

Have you ever wondered why the media gives so much attention to the Mayor of New York. The reason is simple. How many governors have such a large constituency?

Enough history for now. On to parks.