Santa Claus, Indiana, receives more than one-half million letters and requests at Christmas time.
Five men from Indiana have been elected as vice president: Schuyler Colfax, Thomas A. Hendricks, Charles W. Fairbanks, Thomas Marshall and Dan Quayle. They have earned Indiana the nickname "Mother of Vice Presidents."
The first successful goldfish farm in the United States was opened in Martinsville, Indiana, in 1899.
In June 1972, Lowell Elliot of Peru, Indiana, was said to have found $500,000 in cash on his farm. It appeared as if the money had fallen from the sky. And in fact, it did. A skyjacker parachuting out of a plane had dropped his stolen profits over Elliot’s farm. Elliot returned the money to the authorities.
In a typical year, almost half of all cropland in Indiana is planted in corn.
Abraham Lincoln moved to Indiana at the age of 7.
Explorers Lewis and Clark set out from Fort Vincennes on their exploration of the Northwest Territory.
Did you know the movie "Hard Rain" was filmed in Huntingburg?!
The first professional baseball game was played in Fort Wayne on May 4, 1871.
The Indiana Dunes region provides habitat for many unusual plants, including prickly pear cactus, lichen mosses, bearberry, and more than 20 varieties of orchids.
During second world war, the P-47 fighter-plane was manufactured in Evansville at Republic Aviation.
Marcella Gruelle who was from Indianapolis created the Raggedy Ann doll in 1914.
The small town of Warsaw, Indiana, is home to three major manufacturers of artificial joints--Zimmer Holdings, Biomet, Inc. and DuPuy.
Source: Interesting Facts Blog
Showing posts with label america. Show all posts
Showing posts with label america. Show all posts
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Facts about Oregon
Here are some really interesting facts about Oregon. I liked them so sharing them with you all readers...
Oregon’s state flag is the only state flag to carry two separate designs, with a beaver on its reverse side.
In 1905, the largest log cabin in the world was built in honor of the Lewis and Clark expedition.
In 1971 Oregon became the first state to ban the use of non-returnable bottles and cans.
The Carousel Museum contains the world’s largest collection of carousel horses.
Formed more than 6,500 years ago, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States. It is the only lake to be formed in the remains of a volcano and its crystal-blue waters are known around the world.
The Tillamook Cheese Factory is the largest cheese factory in the world.
At 8,000 feet deep Hells Canyon is the deepest river gorge in North America.
Mill Ends Park in Portland, the world’s smallest official park, measures two feet across. It was created in 1948 for the leprechauns, and a place to hold snail races on St. Patrick’s Day.
During the 1820s Englishman John McLoughlin presided over a vast beaver trapping network centered at Fort Vancouver near the Columbia River.
Eugene was the first city to have one-way streets, and is quoted by “Bicycling Magazine” as one of the top ten cycling communities in the United States.
Oregon residents own one-fourth of the country’s total llama population.
The Klamath Mountains in southwestern Oregon are composed of volcanic rocks, which originally erupted under the ocean.
Source: jackieinpdx.com , The Facts Blog
Oregon’s state flag is the only state flag to carry two separate designs, with a beaver on its reverse side.
In 1905, the largest log cabin in the world was built in honor of the Lewis and Clark expedition.
In 1971 Oregon became the first state to ban the use of non-returnable bottles and cans.
The Carousel Museum contains the world’s largest collection of carousel horses.
Formed more than 6,500 years ago, Crater Lake is the deepest lake in the United States. It is the only lake to be formed in the remains of a volcano and its crystal-blue waters are known around the world.
The Tillamook Cheese Factory is the largest cheese factory in the world.
At 8,000 feet deep Hells Canyon is the deepest river gorge in North America.
Mill Ends Park in Portland, the world’s smallest official park, measures two feet across. It was created in 1948 for the leprechauns, and a place to hold snail races on St. Patrick’s Day.
During the 1820s Englishman John McLoughlin presided over a vast beaver trapping network centered at Fort Vancouver near the Columbia River.
Eugene was the first city to have one-way streets, and is quoted by “Bicycling Magazine” as one of the top ten cycling communities in the United States.
Oregon residents own one-fourth of the country’s total llama population.
The Klamath Mountains in southwestern Oregon are composed of volcanic rocks, which originally erupted under the ocean.
Source: jackieinpdx.com , The Facts Blog
Saturday, July 11, 2009
Facts about Washington State
While Surfing the web I stumbled upton some interesting facts about Washington. I gathered them and put them together her for my readers. Hope you will like these interesting facts about the Washington state.
It is America’s coffee capital, with more coffee bean roasters per capita than any other state.
“The Wave”, a popular fan cheer for the past 25 years, was started by Husky fans at the University of Washington.
Washington leads the country in technology industry employment.
Washington is home to thelarg est land mollusk in North America, a foraging banana slug that grows up to 9 inches long.
Petrified wood is the state’s gem, and there’s a petrified forest here that’s considered the most unusual fossil forest in the world.
Adam Morrison, a Washington State native and Gonzaga University basketball star, led the NCAA Division I in scoring last season.
The state is the nation’s largest exporter, representing $34 billion and 5 percent of all U.S. exports: forest products, aerospace products, apples, tulips, hops, mint, wheat and several other quality food products.
Leading innovators — Microsoft’s Bill Gates and Paul Allen, Starbucks’ Howard Schultz, wireless pioneers the McCaw family, and the Boeing family — live in Washington State.
Washington State is America’s gateway to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, B.C.
Washington State defines innovation. Some of the leading employers include Microsoft, Amazon.Com, Nordstrom, Boeing, Costco and Starbuck’s.
Washington has hosted the World’s Fair twice: 1962 in Seattle and 1974 in Spokane.
Washington produces 70 percent of the nation’s hops used to brew beer. Co incidentally, to overcome beer breath, the majority of the nation’s mint is also grown in the state.
In Washington, a Seahawk is an athlete, not a bird. The closest thing to a Seahawk is an osprey hawk.
Grand Coulee Dam, the largest concrete structure in North America, is in Washington State.
Washington’s residents are educated; it’s the state with most residents holding high school diplomas.
Father’s Day was founded in Washington in 1910.
The state is home to the world’s largest private car collection featuring over 3,000 vehicles.
Washington’s entrepreneurial climate has made it the leading state for both startup and gazelles, or fast growing young companies.
Washington, the 42nd state in the union, is the only state named for a president.
Seattle gets less rainfall annually than Atlanta, Boston, New York, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Miami, with 37 inches.
Seattle has the highest concentration of aerospace jobs in the world, led by Boeing’s 50,000 workers.
The longest accessible beach is Long Beach, WA.
Source: valleybugler , Facts
It is America’s coffee capital, with more coffee bean roasters per capita than any other state.
“The Wave”, a popular fan cheer for the past 25 years, was started by Husky fans at the University of Washington.
Washington leads the country in technology industry employment.
Washington is home to thelarg est land mollusk in North America, a foraging banana slug that grows up to 9 inches long.
Petrified wood is the state’s gem, and there’s a petrified forest here that’s considered the most unusual fossil forest in the world.
Adam Morrison, a Washington State native and Gonzaga University basketball star, led the NCAA Division I in scoring last season.
The state is the nation’s largest exporter, representing $34 billion and 5 percent of all U.S. exports: forest products, aerospace products, apples, tulips, hops, mint, wheat and several other quality food products.
Leading innovators — Microsoft’s Bill Gates and Paul Allen, Starbucks’ Howard Schultz, wireless pioneers the McCaw family, and the Boeing family — live in Washington State.
Washington State is America’s gateway to the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, B.C.
Washington State defines innovation. Some of the leading employers include Microsoft, Amazon.Com, Nordstrom, Boeing, Costco and Starbuck’s.
Washington has hosted the World’s Fair twice: 1962 in Seattle and 1974 in Spokane.
Washington produces 70 percent of the nation’s hops used to brew beer. Co incidentally, to overcome beer breath, the majority of the nation’s mint is also grown in the state.
In Washington, a Seahawk is an athlete, not a bird. The closest thing to a Seahawk is an osprey hawk.
Grand Coulee Dam, the largest concrete structure in North America, is in Washington State.
Washington’s residents are educated; it’s the state with most residents holding high school diplomas.
Father’s Day was founded in Washington in 1910.
The state is home to the world’s largest private car collection featuring over 3,000 vehicles.
Washington’s entrepreneurial climate has made it the leading state for both startup and gazelles, or fast growing young companies.
Washington, the 42nd state in the union, is the only state named for a president.
Seattle gets less rainfall annually than Atlanta, Boston, New York, Houston, Miami, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Washington D.C. and Miami, with 37 inches.
Seattle has the highest concentration of aerospace jobs in the world, led by Boeing’s 50,000 workers.
The longest accessible beach is Long Beach, WA.
Source: valleybugler , Facts
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Facts about West Virginia
Here are soe really interesting facts about West Virginia...
Marshall University, located in Huntington, was named for Chief Justice John Marshall of the United States Supreme Court. Justice Marshall served as Chief Justice from 1801- 1835 and served as the presiding justice over the Aaron Burr treason trial in 1807.
West Virginia University, located in Morgantown, has had 26 students to receive Rhodes Scholarships to study at Oxford University in England.
Charles Town, in Jefferson County, was where slave abolitionist John Brown was convicted of treason, conspiracy and murder following his raid on Harpers Ferry, also in Jefferson County.
The world famous Greenbrier Hotel and Resort, in White Sulphur Springs, Greenbrier County, was used as an Army Hospital during World War II.
Tourism is the state's leading industry. For many years, coal was the leading industry.
The New River Gorge Bridge, in Fayetteville, is the longest steel-arch bridge in the United States spanning 1, 815 feet across the New River Canyon.
The total cost for construction of our capitol building was nearly $10 million in 1932.
The dome on the capitol is 292 feet high, higher than the dome on the Nation's Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
The Greenbrier Hotel is also the home of the famous springs which were rumored to cure various ailments.
West Virginia was admitted to the Union on June 20, 1863, by proclamation signed by President Abraham Lincoln.
Ironic to its name, the New River is actually one of the oldest rivers in the World and flows south to north, opposite from most rivers because it was formed before the mountains.
At 4, 861 feet above sea level, Spruce Knob, located in Pendleton County, is the highest point in the Mountain State. Dropping down to 247 feet above sea level, Harpers Ferry, Jefferson County, marks lowest point in the state.
On January 3, 1921, and four buildings later, West Virginia's Capitol burned to the ground. A temporary office building, known as the "Pasteboard Capitol," and other Charleston buildings served as temporary offices for state government.
Cass Gilbert was selected as the architect to design the capitol building. Gilbert, whose offices were located in New York, designed other notable buildings such as the capitol buildings of Minnesota and Arkansas, as well as the United States Treasury Annex and the United States Chamber of Commerce Building.
On June 20, 1932, eleven years after the destruction of the downtown capitol building, West Virginia's permanent capitol building was dedicated.
West Virginia's first Capital city was located in Wheeling, Ohio County. It was later moved to Charleston, then back to Wheeling, and then back to Charleston.
Washington Hall, located in Wheeling, is known as the "Birthplace of West Virginia."
The first capitol building is known as the Linsley Institute Building, built in 1858 and served as West Virginia's capitol for seven years.
The first Charleston Capitol, built in 1869-1870, was located at Capitol and Lee Streets. Charleston remained the Capitol City until 1875 when the Legislature decided to return to Wheeling.
In the fall of 1877, as a result of a statewide election, Governor Jacob issued a proclamation declaring Charleston the permanent seat of government.
Source: legis.state.wv.us , The Interesting Facts Blog
Marshall University, located in Huntington, was named for Chief Justice John Marshall of the United States Supreme Court. Justice Marshall served as Chief Justice from 1801- 1835 and served as the presiding justice over the Aaron Burr treason trial in 1807.
West Virginia University, located in Morgantown, has had 26 students to receive Rhodes Scholarships to study at Oxford University in England.
Charles Town, in Jefferson County, was where slave abolitionist John Brown was convicted of treason, conspiracy and murder following his raid on Harpers Ferry, also in Jefferson County.
The world famous Greenbrier Hotel and Resort, in White Sulphur Springs, Greenbrier County, was used as an Army Hospital during World War II.
Tourism is the state's leading industry. For many years, coal was the leading industry.
The New River Gorge Bridge, in Fayetteville, is the longest steel-arch bridge in the United States spanning 1, 815 feet across the New River Canyon.
The total cost for construction of our capitol building was nearly $10 million in 1932.
The dome on the capitol is 292 feet high, higher than the dome on the Nation's Capitol building in Washington, D.C.
The Greenbrier Hotel is also the home of the famous springs which were rumored to cure various ailments.
West Virginia was admitted to the Union on June 20, 1863, by proclamation signed by President Abraham Lincoln.
Ironic to its name, the New River is actually one of the oldest rivers in the World and flows south to north, opposite from most rivers because it was formed before the mountains.
At 4, 861 feet above sea level, Spruce Knob, located in Pendleton County, is the highest point in the Mountain State. Dropping down to 247 feet above sea level, Harpers Ferry, Jefferson County, marks lowest point in the state.
On January 3, 1921, and four buildings later, West Virginia's Capitol burned to the ground. A temporary office building, known as the "Pasteboard Capitol," and other Charleston buildings served as temporary offices for state government.
Cass Gilbert was selected as the architect to design the capitol building. Gilbert, whose offices were located in New York, designed other notable buildings such as the capitol buildings of Minnesota and Arkansas, as well as the United States Treasury Annex and the United States Chamber of Commerce Building.
On June 20, 1932, eleven years after the destruction of the downtown capitol building, West Virginia's permanent capitol building was dedicated.
West Virginia's first Capital city was located in Wheeling, Ohio County. It was later moved to Charleston, then back to Wheeling, and then back to Charleston.
Washington Hall, located in Wheeling, is known as the "Birthplace of West Virginia."
The first capitol building is known as the Linsley Institute Building, built in 1858 and served as West Virginia's capitol for seven years.
The first Charleston Capitol, built in 1869-1870, was located at Capitol and Lee Streets. Charleston remained the Capitol City until 1875 when the Legislature decided to return to Wheeling.
In the fall of 1877, as a result of a statewide election, Governor Jacob issued a proclamation declaring Charleston the permanent seat of government.
Source: legis.state.wv.us , The Interesting Facts Blog
Facts about Louisiana
Here are some really interesting facts about Louisiana. I found them interesting, hope you will like them and find them interesting.
Louisiana's salt domes produce 24 percent of the nation's salt, making it the highest producing state in America.
The Superdome, located in New Orleans is the worlds largest enclosed stadium.
The longest over-water bridge in the world is located just outside of New Orleans. At 23.87 miles long, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is definitely one of Louisiana's greatest accomplishments.
Natchitoches, Louisiana, is the oldest city in the Louisiana Purchase Territory, and was founded in 1714.
The state capitol building in Baton Rouge, is the tallest state capitol building in America, standing 450 feet tall.
Baton Rouge was the only site of an American Revolution battle that was fought outside of the original 13 colonies.
The term "Uncle Sam" originated on the wharfs of New Orleans before Louisiana became a U.S. territory. Even then, New Orleans was a major docking port, and the goods that came through the New Orleans docks and labeled U.S. were referred to as "Uncle Sam."
Steen's Syrup Mill, located in Abbeville, LA, is the world's largest plant producing sugar cane syrup.
The Konkriko Co. in New Iberia, Louisiana, is America's oldest rice mill.
Louisiana is home to 6.5 million acres of wetlands that hold the honor of being the greatest wetland in America.
In 1813, the game of craps was invented in New Orleans.
At 514 Chartres Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans, lies the oldest pharmacy in America, established in 1823. The New Orleans Pharmacy, is now the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum.
The staircase located in the Chretien Point plantation home in Sunset, Louisiana was copied and used in Tara in the movie "Gone with the Wind."
The Tabasco company, found by E. A. McIlhenny in 1868 in Avery Island, Louisiana, is the second oldest food trademark in the United States Patent Office.
New Orleans is the birthplace of Jazz, which is considered the only true American art form.
During the time when states had their own individual currencies, the favored currency in Louisiana was the Louisiana Dix. (Dix is French for ten.) English speakers referred to these as Dixies, which eventually coined the phrase, Dixieland.
Source: associatedcontent.com , Facts
Louisiana's salt domes produce 24 percent of the nation's salt, making it the highest producing state in America.
The Superdome, located in New Orleans is the worlds largest enclosed stadium.
The longest over-water bridge in the world is located just outside of New Orleans. At 23.87 miles long, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is definitely one of Louisiana's greatest accomplishments.
Natchitoches, Louisiana, is the oldest city in the Louisiana Purchase Territory, and was founded in 1714.
The state capitol building in Baton Rouge, is the tallest state capitol building in America, standing 450 feet tall.
Baton Rouge was the only site of an American Revolution battle that was fought outside of the original 13 colonies.
The term "Uncle Sam" originated on the wharfs of New Orleans before Louisiana became a U.S. territory. Even then, New Orleans was a major docking port, and the goods that came through the New Orleans docks and labeled U.S. were referred to as "Uncle Sam."
Steen's Syrup Mill, located in Abbeville, LA, is the world's largest plant producing sugar cane syrup.
The Konkriko Co. in New Iberia, Louisiana, is America's oldest rice mill.
Louisiana is home to 6.5 million acres of wetlands that hold the honor of being the greatest wetland in America.
In 1813, the game of craps was invented in New Orleans.
At 514 Chartres Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans, lies the oldest pharmacy in America, established in 1823. The New Orleans Pharmacy, is now the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum.
The staircase located in the Chretien Point plantation home in Sunset, Louisiana was copied and used in Tara in the movie "Gone with the Wind."
The Tabasco company, found by E. A. McIlhenny in 1868 in Avery Island, Louisiana, is the second oldest food trademark in the United States Patent Office.
New Orleans is the birthplace of Jazz, which is considered the only true American art form.
During the time when states had their own individual currencies, the favored currency in Louisiana was the Louisiana Dix. (Dix is French for ten.) English speakers referred to these as Dixies, which eventually coined the phrase, Dixieland.
Source: associatedcontent.com , Facts
Saturday, June 13, 2009
Facts about Loisiana
Here are some really interesting, useful, informative and amazing facts about Louisiana...
The Superdome, located in New Orleans is the worlds largest enclosed stadium.
Louisiana is home to 6.5 million acres of wetlands that hold the honor of being the greatest wetland in America.
The longest over-water bridge in the world is located just outside of New Orleans. At 23.87 miles long, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is definitely one of Louisiana's greatest accomplishments.
Natchitoches, Louisiana, is the oldest city in the Louisiana Purchase Territory, and was founded in 1714.
The state capitol building in Baton Rouge, is the tallest state capitol building in America, standing 450 feet tall.
Baton Rouge was the only site of an American Revolution battle that was fought outside of the original 13 colonies.
The staircase located in the Chretien Point plantation home in Sunset, Louisiana was copied and used in Tara in the movie "Gone with the Wind."
Louisiana's salt domes produce 24 percent of the nation's salt, making it the highest producing state in America.
The Tabasco company, found by E. A. McIlhenny in 1868 in Avery Island, Louisiana, is the second oldest food trademark in the United States Patent Office.
Steen's Syrup Mill, located in Abbeville, LA, is the world's largest plant producing sugar cane syrup.
The Konkriko Co. in New Iberia, Louisiana, is America's oldest rice mill.
The term "Uncle Sam" originated on the wharfs of New Orleans before Louisiana became a U.S. territory. Even then, New Orleans was a major docking port, and the goods that came through the New Orleans docks and labeled U.S. were referred to as "Uncle Sam."
In 1813, the game of craps was invented in New Orleans.
At 514 Chartres Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans, lies the oldest pharmacy in America, established in 1823. The New Orleans Pharmacy, is now the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum.
New Orleans is the birthplace of Jazz, which is considered the only true American art form.
During the time when states had their own individual currencies, the favored currency in Louisiana was the Louisiana Dix. (Dix is French for ten.) English speakers referred to these as Dixies, which eventually coined the phrase, Dixieland.
Source: associatedcontent.com
The Superdome, located in New Orleans is the worlds largest enclosed stadium.
Louisiana is home to 6.5 million acres of wetlands that hold the honor of being the greatest wetland in America.
The longest over-water bridge in the world is located just outside of New Orleans. At 23.87 miles long, the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway is definitely one of Louisiana's greatest accomplishments.
Natchitoches, Louisiana, is the oldest city in the Louisiana Purchase Territory, and was founded in 1714.
The state capitol building in Baton Rouge, is the tallest state capitol building in America, standing 450 feet tall.
Baton Rouge was the only site of an American Revolution battle that was fought outside of the original 13 colonies.
The staircase located in the Chretien Point plantation home in Sunset, Louisiana was copied and used in Tara in the movie "Gone with the Wind."
Louisiana's salt domes produce 24 percent of the nation's salt, making it the highest producing state in America.
The Tabasco company, found by E. A. McIlhenny in 1868 in Avery Island, Louisiana, is the second oldest food trademark in the United States Patent Office.
Steen's Syrup Mill, located in Abbeville, LA, is the world's largest plant producing sugar cane syrup.
The Konkriko Co. in New Iberia, Louisiana, is America's oldest rice mill.
The term "Uncle Sam" originated on the wharfs of New Orleans before Louisiana became a U.S. territory. Even then, New Orleans was a major docking port, and the goods that came through the New Orleans docks and labeled U.S. were referred to as "Uncle Sam."
In 1813, the game of craps was invented in New Orleans.
At 514 Chartres Street in the French Quarter of New Orleans, lies the oldest pharmacy in America, established in 1823. The New Orleans Pharmacy, is now the New Orleans Pharmacy Museum.
New Orleans is the birthplace of Jazz, which is considered the only true American art form.
During the time when states had their own individual currencies, the favored currency in Louisiana was the Louisiana Dix. (Dix is French for ten.) English speakers referred to these as Dixies, which eventually coined the phrase, Dixieland.
Source: associatedcontent.com
Facts about Maryland
Here are some really interesting facts about Maryland...
William Nuthead started the first printing business in St. Mary’s City in 1685. When he died his wife Diana inherited the business. She was the first female licensed as a printer in the colonies.
The Maryland Gazette founded in 1727 is the oldest continuously published newspaper in the United States.
Charles Mason and Jeremiah surveyed the Mason-Dixon Line in 1763 to determine the border between Pennsylvania and Maryland. In 1767 the Mason-Dixon Line was established as Maryland’s northern border.
William Goddard inaugurated the first Post Office system in the United States in Baltimore in 1774.
In 1784 the first balloon ascension in the United States took place in Baltimore. The balloon was designed by Peter Carnes, but the ascent was made by thirteen year old Edward Warren.
Georgetown Prep in Bethesda, founded in 1789 by the society of Jesuits, is the oldest Catholic secondary school in the United States.
The Baltimore Water Company, the first water company in the United States, was chartered in 1792.
Mary Pickersgill designed the flag that flew over Ft. McHenry during the War of 1812.
Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner” after seeing the flag still waving during a battle in 1814.
In 1828 St. Francis Academy was the first dental school in the world. This became the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery in 1839.
In 1844 the first telegraph line in the world was established between Washington and Baltimore.
In 1856 Charles Benedict Calvert created the first agricultural research college in the United States. The Maryland Agricultural College became the University of Maryland at College Park.
The USS Constellation docked in Baltimore is the last ship to survive from the Civil War.
The B&O Railroad was incorporated in 1827 by Charles Carroll. Today the railroad is part of CSX.
The Carrollton Viaduct in Baltimore was named in honor of Charles Carroll of Carrollton and is the oldest railroad bridge still in use.
The Thomas Viaduct in Relay was the longest bridge in the United States on completion in 1835 and is still in use.
Dr. Florence Rina Sabin of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore became the first female professor of medicine in 1901.
Source: mdkidspage.org , Interesting Facts
William Nuthead started the first printing business in St. Mary’s City in 1685. When he died his wife Diana inherited the business. She was the first female licensed as a printer in the colonies.
The Maryland Gazette founded in 1727 is the oldest continuously published newspaper in the United States.
Charles Mason and Jeremiah surveyed the Mason-Dixon Line in 1763 to determine the border between Pennsylvania and Maryland. In 1767 the Mason-Dixon Line was established as Maryland’s northern border.
William Goddard inaugurated the first Post Office system in the United States in Baltimore in 1774.
In 1784 the first balloon ascension in the United States took place in Baltimore. The balloon was designed by Peter Carnes, but the ascent was made by thirteen year old Edward Warren.
Georgetown Prep in Bethesda, founded in 1789 by the society of Jesuits, is the oldest Catholic secondary school in the United States.
The Baltimore Water Company, the first water company in the United States, was chartered in 1792.
Mary Pickersgill designed the flag that flew over Ft. McHenry during the War of 1812.
Francis Scott Key wrote “The Star-Spangled Banner” after seeing the flag still waving during a battle in 1814.
In 1828 St. Francis Academy was the first dental school in the world. This became the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery in 1839.
In 1844 the first telegraph line in the world was established between Washington and Baltimore.
In 1856 Charles Benedict Calvert created the first agricultural research college in the United States. The Maryland Agricultural College became the University of Maryland at College Park.
The USS Constellation docked in Baltimore is the last ship to survive from the Civil War.
The B&O Railroad was incorporated in 1827 by Charles Carroll. Today the railroad is part of CSX.
The Carrollton Viaduct in Baltimore was named in honor of Charles Carroll of Carrollton and is the oldest railroad bridge still in use.
The Thomas Viaduct in Relay was the longest bridge in the United States on completion in 1835 and is still in use.
Dr. Florence Rina Sabin of Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore became the first female professor of medicine in 1901.
Source: mdkidspage.org , Interesting Facts
Thursday, May 28, 2009
San Fransisco Facts
Here are some interesting facts about San Fransisco...
The Chinese Fortune Cookie was invented by Makato Hagiwara whose family operated the Japanese Tea Garden from 1895 to 1942.
Denim jeans were invented in San Francisco for the Gold Rush miners who needed tough, comfortable clothing
Irish coffee was invented in San Francisco.
Francis Ford Coppola famously wrote large portions of The Godfather Trilogy in Caffe Trieste, the first San Francisco coffee shop, established in 1956
There are over three hundred coffee houses within the city boundaries of San Francisco
The original United Nations charter was drafted and signed in San Francisco.
Al Capone spent five years in prison in Alcatraz.
The original Spanish name for San Francisco was Yerba Buena, meaning "good herb" or"good grass".
Nicknames include "Baghdad by the Bay", coined by columnist Herb Caen, and "The City that Knows How".
The first plans of the city were drawn by Jean-Jacques Vioget (Swiss) and Jasper O' Farell ( Irish)
The first construted street was Grant Street, originally named " Calle De La Fundacion "
Chop Suey was created in 1878 during a banquet or Li Hung-Chung, the first Chinese Viceroy to visit our city.
There are over 250 wineries in the nearby Napa Valley.
Muir Woods, an unspoiled stand of giant redwoods, is just across the Golden Gate bridge.
In Star Trek, Star Fleet HQ is located just north of San Francisco.
"I Left My Heart In San Francisco" was written by a gay couple, Douglass Cross and his partner George Cory in 1954. Tony Bennett's recording in 1962 made the song famous.
San Francisco is built on 43 hills.
The crookedest street is not Lombard Street , Vermont Avenue between 22nd and 23rd is the "crookedest,".
Filbert between Hyde and Leavenworth is the steepest street at 31.5 degrees.
The population of San Francisco at the end of 2004 was 744,230 people
San Francisco has the highest number of homeless inhabitants per capita of any major city in the United States.
Washington Square Park at Columbus & Union is not actually a square because it has five sides. But then North Beach isn't a beach and the statue in the middle of the park is Ben Franklin not George Washington.
Behind New York, Moscow and London, San Francisco is 4th in the world in terms of numbers of billionaires living within its city limits, while having less than 10% the population of the the other three cities.
On Mar 14,1896, 7000 people gathered at San Francisco's Ocean Beach to celebrate the official opening of the Sutro Baths, an extravagant public bathhouse envisioned and developed by the eccentric one-time mayor of San Francisco, Adolph Sutro. He also built the Cliff House.
Soon after the Golden Gate Park opened in 1890, John McLaren, the park's designer added a free-range zoo that was home to elk, bears, goats, and buffalo. The buffalo are the only ones that remain.
On Mar. 21, 1963, Alcatraz federal prison island in San Francisco Bay was emptied of its last inmates at the order of Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy.
San Francisco Bay is considered the world's largest landlocked harbor.
Source: sfheart.com
The Chinese Fortune Cookie was invented by Makato Hagiwara whose family operated the Japanese Tea Garden from 1895 to 1942.
Denim jeans were invented in San Francisco for the Gold Rush miners who needed tough, comfortable clothing
Irish coffee was invented in San Francisco.
Francis Ford Coppola famously wrote large portions of The Godfather Trilogy in Caffe Trieste, the first San Francisco coffee shop, established in 1956
There are over three hundred coffee houses within the city boundaries of San Francisco
The original United Nations charter was drafted and signed in San Francisco.
Al Capone spent five years in prison in Alcatraz.
The original Spanish name for San Francisco was Yerba Buena, meaning "good herb" or"good grass".
Nicknames include "Baghdad by the Bay", coined by columnist Herb Caen, and "The City that Knows How".
The first plans of the city were drawn by Jean-Jacques Vioget (Swiss) and Jasper O' Farell ( Irish)
The first construted street was Grant Street, originally named " Calle De La Fundacion "
Chop Suey was created in 1878 during a banquet or Li Hung-Chung, the first Chinese Viceroy to visit our city.
There are over 250 wineries in the nearby Napa Valley.
Muir Woods, an unspoiled stand of giant redwoods, is just across the Golden Gate bridge.
In Star Trek, Star Fleet HQ is located just north of San Francisco.
"I Left My Heart In San Francisco" was written by a gay couple, Douglass Cross and his partner George Cory in 1954. Tony Bennett's recording in 1962 made the song famous.
San Francisco is built on 43 hills.
The crookedest street is not Lombard Street , Vermont Avenue between 22nd and 23rd is the "crookedest,".
Filbert between Hyde and Leavenworth is the steepest street at 31.5 degrees.
The population of San Francisco at the end of 2004 was 744,230 people
San Francisco has the highest number of homeless inhabitants per capita of any major city in the United States.
Washington Square Park at Columbus & Union is not actually a square because it has five sides. But then North Beach isn't a beach and the statue in the middle of the park is Ben Franklin not George Washington.
Behind New York, Moscow and London, San Francisco is 4th in the world in terms of numbers of billionaires living within its city limits, while having less than 10% the population of the the other three cities.
On Mar 14,1896, 7000 people gathered at San Francisco's Ocean Beach to celebrate the official opening of the Sutro Baths, an extravagant public bathhouse envisioned and developed by the eccentric one-time mayor of San Francisco, Adolph Sutro. He also built the Cliff House.
Soon after the Golden Gate Park opened in 1890, John McLaren, the park's designer added a free-range zoo that was home to elk, bears, goats, and buffalo. The buffalo are the only ones that remain.
On Mar. 21, 1963, Alcatraz federal prison island in San Francisco Bay was emptied of its last inmates at the order of Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy.
San Francisco Bay is considered the world's largest landlocked harbor.
Source: sfheart.com
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Interesting Facts about New York City
Below are some really interesting facts about this amazing city i.e. New York City.
Dutch explorer Peter Minuit purchased the island of Manhattan (really its southern tip) from the Algonquin tribe for trinkets and tools worth about $24.
The first known name for Manhattan was New Amsterdam, which referred to the southern tip of Manhattan, a Dutch trading port.
New York City was the U.S. capital from 1789 to 1790
New Yorkers travel an average of 40 minutes to work each day.
More than 47 percent of New York City's residents over the age of 5 speak a language other than English at home.
New York's Central Park is larger than the principality of Monaco.
The New York City Council consists of 51 members and is the legislative branch of city.
According to Crain's New York Business, the average sale price of an apartment in Manhattan during the 4th quarter of 2007 was a whopping $1.49 million.
New York's Yellow Cabs are yellow because John Hertz, the company's founder, learned from a study that yellow was the easiest color for the eye to spot. He was right.
The Federal Reserve Bank on New York's Wall Street contains vaults that are located 80 feet beneath the bank and hold about 25 percent of the world's gold bullion.
In 2007, 46 million international and domestic visitors came to New York City. They spent approximately $28 billion while there.
The average daily room rate in New York hotels in 2006 was $267.
More than 250 feature films are shot on location in New York City each year.
An average of 4.9 million people ride the New York City subway each weekday.
The New York City subway system runs 26 routes with 6,200 subway cars that stop at 468 different subway stations.
More than 12,700 licensed medallion taxis work the streets of New York City.
More than 18,600 restaurants and eating establishments do business in New York City, and the average cost of a dinner in 2006, according to the Zagat Survey, was $39.43. That includes a drink, tax and the tip.
As of the 2000 Census, 8,008,278 people live in New York City.
Approximately 790,000 companies operate in New York City.
Although many legends exist about the origin of New York City's nickname, the Big Apple, most historians agree that it can be traced back to a writer who covered horse racing in the 1920s. In The Morning Telegraph, he wrote that stable hands often referred to New York as the Big Apple, meaning that any thoroughbred that raced in New York had reached the pinnacle of racing.
Source: qassia.com
Interesting Facts about George Washington
Here are some interesting facts and information about the America's first president
George Washington was the oldest son of his father’s second marriage. He grew up with nine brothers and sisters.
When George was three years old his family moved to a large tobacco plantation, which they called Mount Vernon. Despite his lengthy travels and many temporary homes, George considered Mount Vernon to be his true home until the day he died.
Though he believed strongly in virtues of education, his own schooling ended at the age of 14. This is a fact that haunted Washington throughout his life, even though this was not uncommon in his day and age.
George joined the British Royal Navy at age 14.
Once during battle, a cannonball almost hit him and his men. Everyone hid, except George, who kept on fighting.
By the time he was president of the United States, George only had one original tooth left. He spent the rest of his life in constant pain from ill-fitting dentures that distorted the shape of his mouth.
George’s first set of dentures were made from cow’s teeth. Later, he had a second pair made of hippopotamus ivory.
His favorite foods were pineapples and Brazil Nuts. It was said by John Adams that George lost all his teeth by cracking Brazil nuts between his jaws.
George never had any children of his own, though his wife Martha had two from a previous marriage.
George always preferred the quiet solitude of farming to politics, and often felt miserable living such a public life. Upon his election as president, he blurted out to a close friend that he must, “bid adieu to happiness,” as “public life will be a more distressing one than any I have known yet.”
He is the only president in history to have been unanimously elected, receiving all 69 votes of the electoral college. At the time, there was no popular vote for the presidency.
He was the only president who did not live in Washington, D.C.
Contrary to popular belief, George Washington never wore a wig.
Washington gave his name to 1 U.S. state, 1 capital city, 33 counties, 7 mountains, 9 colleges, and 121 post offices.
George Washington is the only one of America’s founding fathers to free his slaves. He freed all 124 of his slaves in his will, and left enough money in his estate to care for all of them for decades after his death.
According to Newsweek, 14 percent of all pre-school children think George Washington is still sitting in the oval office.
Source: trcabc
George Washington was the oldest son of his father’s second marriage. He grew up with nine brothers and sisters.
When George was three years old his family moved to a large tobacco plantation, which they called Mount Vernon. Despite his lengthy travels and many temporary homes, George considered Mount Vernon to be his true home until the day he died.
Though he believed strongly in virtues of education, his own schooling ended at the age of 14. This is a fact that haunted Washington throughout his life, even though this was not uncommon in his day and age.
George joined the British Royal Navy at age 14.
Once during battle, a cannonball almost hit him and his men. Everyone hid, except George, who kept on fighting.
By the time he was president of the United States, George only had one original tooth left. He spent the rest of his life in constant pain from ill-fitting dentures that distorted the shape of his mouth.
George’s first set of dentures were made from cow’s teeth. Later, he had a second pair made of hippopotamus ivory.
His favorite foods were pineapples and Brazil Nuts. It was said by John Adams that George lost all his teeth by cracking Brazil nuts between his jaws.
George never had any children of his own, though his wife Martha had two from a previous marriage.
George always preferred the quiet solitude of farming to politics, and often felt miserable living such a public life. Upon his election as president, he blurted out to a close friend that he must, “bid adieu to happiness,” as “public life will be a more distressing one than any I have known yet.”
He is the only president in history to have been unanimously elected, receiving all 69 votes of the electoral college. At the time, there was no popular vote for the presidency.
He was the only president who did not live in Washington, D.C.
Contrary to popular belief, George Washington never wore a wig.
Washington gave his name to 1 U.S. state, 1 capital city, 33 counties, 7 mountains, 9 colleges, and 121 post offices.
George Washington is the only one of America’s founding fathers to free his slaves. He freed all 124 of his slaves in his will, and left enough money in his estate to care for all of them for decades after his death.
According to Newsweek, 14 percent of all pre-school children think George Washington is still sitting in the oval office.
Source: trcabc
Interesting Facts about George Washington’s Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon is located in Virginia; it overlooks the Potomac River as well as the low hills of Maryland. It is considered to be America’s “first home.”
George Washington’s great grandfather John Washington was granted five thousand acres from King Charles II with the stipulation that he pay an annual rent and “seat and plant” the land within the span of three years. This tract of land was divided with John Spencer.
Before the estate became known as Mount Vernon it was called Hunting Creek Plantation. Much of the early history of the plantation has been gathered from legal documents such as deeds and wills.
Under George Washington’s ownership, the estate was expanded from 2,126 acres to above eight thousand.
Like other eighteenth century plantations, the estate boasted an array of beautiful gardens, a greenhouse and a kitchen garden.
The mansion is considered an excellent example of colonial architecture. The home’s high-columned piazza is considered the standout feature of the mansion. It extends the entire length of the house.
The cupola, another notable feature of the mansion, was added in 1778. Washington added his “dove of peace” weathervane in 1787.
The Banquet Hall contains an engraving of Louis XVI, Sheraton side chairs, and a moonlight river scene above an exquisite mantel. This room was where Washington received the news that he had been elected to the Presidency.
The Central Hall contains a key to Paris’ infamous Bastille-a present from General Lafayette in 1790.
The mansion’s Little Parlor boasts an elegant harpsichord and was the room where the family enjoyed music together.
The West Parlor contains the family’s Coat-of-Arms. This room dates from Washington’s first enlargement of the mansion. It also contains two portraits of Washington and his wife Martha.
The family dining room today contains a mahogany dining table that is believed to have belonged to Martha’s daughter Nelly Custis Lewis.
The second floor of the mansion contains five bed chambers. Historians believe the mansion was continually peopled by family and guests putting a strain on the accommodations. Mrs. Washington arranged low beds in the bedrooms to accommodate extra guests.
After her husband died, Martha Washington closed the master bedroom and resided in a garret bedroom across from her grandson’s bedroom.
The library contains a Mount Vernon original-a terrestrial globe. The room also contains busts of George Washington and John Paul Jones. At the time of Washington’s death, the library contained 884 bound books. Washington considered this room his private sanctuary. After the Revolutionary War the library could not be visited without an invitation from Washington.
Historians have found that although the plantation produced a profit, it did not leave Washington a wealthy man. He did not have an extensive income as much of the plantation’s yield supported the estate. His service to his country prevented him from acquiring the wealth he might otherwise have.
The Washingtons of Mount Vernon were revered for their simple hospitality. Washington said, “A glass of wine and a bit of mutton are always ready, and such as will be content to partake of them are always welcome.”
During his presidency Washington was only able to visit Mount Vernon fifteen times. Washington died in 1799. The terms of his will stipulated that the estate was not to be divided until after the death of his wife Martha. She died in 1802.
The home also contains stables, tomb, colonnade, various outbuildings such as the kitchen (off the courtyard) and store rooms.
Washington left the mansion house to his nephew Bushrod Washington. The rest of the estate was divided amongst other relatives.
Interestingly, the estate has been preserved by the nation’s first women’s patriotic organization founded by Miss Pamela Cunningham of South Carolina in 1858 and called the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association.
Source: avivadirectory.com
George Washington’s great grandfather John Washington was granted five thousand acres from King Charles II with the stipulation that he pay an annual rent and “seat and plant” the land within the span of three years. This tract of land was divided with John Spencer.
Before the estate became known as Mount Vernon it was called Hunting Creek Plantation. Much of the early history of the plantation has been gathered from legal documents such as deeds and wills.
Under George Washington’s ownership, the estate was expanded from 2,126 acres to above eight thousand.
Like other eighteenth century plantations, the estate boasted an array of beautiful gardens, a greenhouse and a kitchen garden.
The mansion is considered an excellent example of colonial architecture. The home’s high-columned piazza is considered the standout feature of the mansion. It extends the entire length of the house.
The cupola, another notable feature of the mansion, was added in 1778. Washington added his “dove of peace” weathervane in 1787.
The Banquet Hall contains an engraving of Louis XVI, Sheraton side chairs, and a moonlight river scene above an exquisite mantel. This room was where Washington received the news that he had been elected to the Presidency.
The Central Hall contains a key to Paris’ infamous Bastille-a present from General Lafayette in 1790.
The mansion’s Little Parlor boasts an elegant harpsichord and was the room where the family enjoyed music together.
The West Parlor contains the family’s Coat-of-Arms. This room dates from Washington’s first enlargement of the mansion. It also contains two portraits of Washington and his wife Martha.
The family dining room today contains a mahogany dining table that is believed to have belonged to Martha’s daughter Nelly Custis Lewis.
The second floor of the mansion contains five bed chambers. Historians believe the mansion was continually peopled by family and guests putting a strain on the accommodations. Mrs. Washington arranged low beds in the bedrooms to accommodate extra guests.
After her husband died, Martha Washington closed the master bedroom and resided in a garret bedroom across from her grandson’s bedroom.
The library contains a Mount Vernon original-a terrestrial globe. The room also contains busts of George Washington and John Paul Jones. At the time of Washington’s death, the library contained 884 bound books. Washington considered this room his private sanctuary. After the Revolutionary War the library could not be visited without an invitation from Washington.
Historians have found that although the plantation produced a profit, it did not leave Washington a wealthy man. He did not have an extensive income as much of the plantation’s yield supported the estate. His service to his country prevented him from acquiring the wealth he might otherwise have.
The Washingtons of Mount Vernon were revered for their simple hospitality. Washington said, “A glass of wine and a bit of mutton are always ready, and such as will be content to partake of them are always welcome.”
During his presidency Washington was only able to visit Mount Vernon fifteen times. Washington died in 1799. The terms of his will stipulated that the estate was not to be divided until after the death of his wife Martha. She died in 1802.
The home also contains stables, tomb, colonnade, various outbuildings such as the kitchen (off the courtyard) and store rooms.
Washington left the mansion house to his nephew Bushrod Washington. The rest of the estate was divided amongst other relatives.
Interestingly, the estate has been preserved by the nation’s first women’s patriotic organization founded by Miss Pamela Cunningham of South Carolina in 1858 and called the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association.
Source: avivadirectory.com
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