Fun Facts About Anything and Everything

An iconic landmark, every year the Statue of Liberty draws approximately 3.5 million visitors. Countless more stand in Battery Park, Liberty Park and other places to gaze upon her.  While Lady Liberty is instantaneously recognizable, how much do you know about the statue itself? 10 Fun Facts About the Statue of Liberty 1. The Statue of Liberty was a gift from France to the United States. It was given on America’s birthday, July 4 in the year 1884. The idea for this gift was born in Paris in 1865. According to National Geographic, a “group of Frenchmen were discussing their dictator-like emperor” and that of the U.S. democratic government. Eventually, this idea was brought to realization as French supporters raised money (no contributions from the government) to build it and contributors in the United States paid for the pedestal on which the statue would stand. Sculptor Frédéric-Auguste Bartholdi imagined a female statue holding a torch to represent the l...

Springwood is the home of 32 nd U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. Today it is a designated landmark in Hyde Park, New York. Also known as Springwood Estate, the property is a part of the Home of Franklin D. Roosevelt National Historic Site which is open to visitors year-round. The Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum is adjacent to the home and gardens. The U.S. National Park Service (NPS) administers and runs the property. Exterior view of the front of Springwood. (My photo does not capture it, but there is another wing to the left that matches the one on the right). Not familiar with Springwood? Here are 10 fun facts about this property located in New York’s beautiful Hudson River Valley. 10 Fun Facts About Springwood 1. Springwood was built in 1826 and the Roosevelt family bought the property in 1867. Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born at the estate on January 30, 1882. The family had lived in the Hyde Park area since 1818, but had ...

Nestled in Covington, Virginia you can find Humpback Bridge. It is one of a handful of these old-timey bridges left in the state. One of Alleghany County’s treasures, it’s a nice place to visit. Want to know more about this historic bridge? Read on. 10 fun facts about Humpback Bridge 1. The current Humpback Bridge was built in 1857. It was originally part of the James River and Kanawha Turnpike. According to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), this bridge succeeds three other previous ones built at this location. 2. Humpback Bridge crosses over Dunlap Creek. It spans 110 feet across the water. 3. According to a plaque placed at the site, the bridge is constructed of “hand hewn” timbers. 4. The first bridge at the site was built in the 1820s and was washed away after a May 1837 flood. The second bridge at this location also fell victim to flood in July of 1842. The third “gave way” in 1856, reports VDOT. The current bridge had a close brush with fl...

In November 2014 the Bear Mountain Bridge, located in New York's lower Hudson River Valley, turned 90 years old. The bridge, which connects the eastern side of the Hudson River to the west side, is a familiar landmark to those who live and/or travel through the area.  The region is a very picturesque one and the bridge resides in a central location that is linked to well-known landmarks such as Bear Mountain Park and West Point Military Academy, to name two. It is also an alternative to the larger Tappan Zee Bridge located to the south (which is currently being rebuilt). Many travelers prefer taking less-congested Bear Mountain Bridge as their route, myself included. Fun facts about the Bear Mountain Bridge   1. Plans for the bridge date back to 1868 (which I find very interesting and never knew despite growing up in the region). 2. The bridge opened to traffic on November 27, 1924. 3. It was a $4.5 million project to build. 4...

Rudolph is the much beloved story of the reindeer with the shiny red nose. Many kids today probably perceive the story as an old Christmas tale as it is passed down the generations. 

Along with his life in politics, the 3 rd U.S. President Thomas Jefferson was an avid reader and an architect. His architectural print or influence is on many buildings. One of his best works is his own home – his beloved Monticello, located in Albermarle County, Virginia. Rear view of Monticello