New York is one of the most iconic cities in the United States of America, attracting millions of tourists every year. With so many things to do and famous landmarks to see it can be difficult to squeeze it all in. So to make life a little easier, here are five of The Big Apple’s most iconic attractions:
1 – Empire State Building
The skyscraper is synonymous with the New York Skyline, and none is more famous than the Empire State Building. Construction began on 17th March 1930 and with a workforce of 3000 men the framework of the building shot up at a rate of four-and-a-half stories per week.
On 1st May 1931 it was officially opened by President Hoover, when he turned on its light at the push of a button in Washington DC. When a new broadcast antennae was added in 1950 the total height of rose to 1,467 feet.
Interesting fact: The Empire State Building has its own zip code.
2 – Statue of Liberty
The Statue of Liberty is a symbol of freedom to millions of Americans at home and abroad. The statue was a gift from the people of France, being erected on the Liberty Island pedestal in 1886.
It symbolizes freedom which is portrayed by a broken chain around the statue’s feet, illustrating forward movement, her torch lighting the way for a world free from oppression.
Interesting fact: Liberty Island is within the State of New York but is actually closer to New Jersey.
3 – Central Park
Central Park was officially opened at the centre of Manhattan Island in 1857, after English architect Calvert Vaux and landscape designer Frederick Law Olmsted won a design competition for the project.
The park has many features for public enjoyment, but none are more popular than the Central Park Zoo, which became a permanent fixture in 1871.
Today the zoo contains more than 130 species including Polar Bears, King Penguins, sea lions, and a huge variety of lizards, amphibians, and insects.
Interesting fact: The zoo has been an important part of popular culture, featuring in movies and books, including JD Salinger’s 1951 novel “The Catcher in the Rye”.
4 – Ellis Island Immigration Museum
Ellis Island was the harbor where millions of people entered the United States. From 1892 to 1954 it was the busiest immigration inspection station in the country.
After the station closed in 1954 the building fell into disrepair, but after a $150 million restoration it reopened as a museum in 1990.
Interesting fact: The first person to pass through Ellis Island was Annie Moore, a 15-year-old girl from Cork, Ireland.
5 – Times Square
In 1904 The New York Times newspaper was moved to a new skyscraper on Longacre Square. The Square which is a major intersection and commercial centre for Midtown Manhattan, was renamed Times Square in April 1904.
The famous electrified billboard on the corner of 46th Street and Broadway was erected just a few weeks later.
Interesting fact: One of the most popular features today is the street performer the Naked Cowboy, who performs with his guitar wearing only boots, underwear, and a cowboy hat. In September 2010 he announced that he intended to run in the 2012 Presidential Election.
As well as the other amazing landmarks in the city, millions of people take New York holidays to see these tremendous sights, so make sure you leave enough time to do it all.
About the author: Catherine Halsey writes for a digital marketing agency on a range of subjects.
Credits: Photo courtesy of LeSimonPix.