Hackensack New Jersey 300 Years of Modern History

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The county seat for Bergen County, New Jersey is the small, bustling city of Hackensack. Nearly 43,000 people call the 4.6 square mile city their home and, in addition to being a seat of government, it is also an important retailing and business center.

The region of New Jersey that Hackensack occupies today was long the home of the Lenni Lenape native peoples. The Achkinheshcky or Hackensack tribe populated the area and coexisted peacefully with Dutch settlers who arrived in 1639 and established a trading post there. By 1688, the area came under the control of the British who established the town of New Barbadoes. At one point during the Revolutionary War, General Washington had his headquarters in Hackensack and the region was at times the epicenter between battling British and American forces. The name Hackensack meaning — mouth of water — was not officially chartered until 1921.

In addition to government institutions the city has several interesting places to visit:

Main Street. If you like downtown shopping, then Hackensack is for you. More than 300 retail and commercial establishments are located within the citys Special Improvement District SID, a designation given to promote and maintain the retail district. The district is also home to one of the few free standing Sears stores in the nation.

North Jersey Media Group. Bergen Countys largest newspaper, The Record, calls Hackensack its home. The North Jersey Media Group NJMG publishes two daily newspapers; 41 local newspapers; a magazine, The Best of Bergen; and operates several important web sites. Scheduled tours of their printing facility are available to groups.

New Jersey Naval Museum. Home to the USS Ling 297, a BALAO class submarine, and several smaller water vessels and artifacts. The museum is open select weekdays for group tours.

Other points of interest within the city include the Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack River County Park, the Church on the Green, and the County of Bergen courthouse.

Located less than ten miles west of New York City, Hackensack is easily accessible to the city; Newark and Teterboro Airports; the Meadowlands sports complex; Newark and Jersey City; and is within a day’s drive of the Jersey Shore, High Point State Park, and many other local attractions.

Hackensack New Jersey 300 Years of Modern History

Greece History and a Modern Touch

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Many consider Greece the cradle of modern civilization. The historical sites in the country are impressive. Still, Greece also has modern touches making it a good travel destination.

Greece

Walk practically anywhere in Greece and you are walking in the footsteps of antiquity. The home to such historical figures, fictional or not, as Plato and Homer. (not Homer Simpson the other one). As the center of modern civilization, Greece is considered the home of art, philosophy and many other aspects of culture which set us apart from other creatures. While you could literally spend months in Greece visiting and exploring archeological sites, there country is known for very modern pleasures.

The beaches of Greece are world famous as is the nightlife. For nightlife, Athens is a vibrant city that more or less stays open all night long. Even on Mondays! For sheer excitement, take a taxi on a trip through the city which will make any roller coaster look tame. You can walk through the various market areas or visit the new structures and parks created for the recent Olympic Summer Games.

If a tan is a must, youre best off heading to the islands. Islands such as Santorini, Ios and Mykinos are the stuff of legend among sunbathers. You can burn under the Mediterranean sun all day and party like a rock star all night. All the islands can be reached by ferry with trips taking a few hours.

The Greeks are colorful and a fun-loving group of people. Sit down in a little caf somewhere and youll soon be talking to a local with tears of laughter in your eyes. Just make sure you watch out for friendly ouzo toasts. They pack a punch. A serious punch.

If youre looking for a travel destination with both historical locations and a chance to loaf on the beach, nothing beats Greece. Prices are generally cheap, so give it a try.

Greece History and a Modern Touch

The History of Rancho Mirage California

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Today, many of the communities in and around the Palm Springs area are hot tourist spots and boast of extreme wealth. Rancho Mirage, California is just one of the cities that have benefited by the worlds attraction to this beautiful desert area. Incorporated in 1973, Rancho Mirage is relatively young but has experienced tremendous growth over the past few decades.

Rancho Mirage is situated in Riverside County and became the 16th city in that county. It may have seemed like the city was always destined for wealth and success. In fact, the first building permit issued by the city was for the Sunrise Country Club Development.

And it didnt take very long for Rancho Mirage to start attracting attention. In 1974, President Nixon wrote his State of the Union Address while golfing at Rancho Mirages Annenberg Estate. Prince Charles also visited the estate in this year, and likely noticed a great deal of development because more than 5,000 dwellings were under construction. The activity was so great that Rancho Mirage experienced an $11 million growth in valuation ranking it as the fifth wealthiest city in Riverside County.

Throughout the years, notables and dignitaries continued to flock to Rancho Mirage. It was here in 1976 that Frank Sinatra married Barbara Marx. Even President Ford loved the area so much that he purchased a home in the Thunderbird Country Club. Maybe he was in love with the area or maybe he wanted to be closer to his favorite golf courses. In any event, the closeness to golf greatness did not improve his game. In 1977, President Ford hit two people with a golf ball during the same month.

Despite several floods that did considerable damage to the area, Rancho Mirage continued growing in population, size and grandeur. Malls were added as were numerous country clubs, resorts and luxury establishments. And in 1985, a huge flood control project was started to eliminate the threat of high waters.

Today, presidents and dignitaries still visit the area, and Rancho Mirage has grown to be a cultural hub. In addition to luxury resorts and golf, a visitor to Rancho Mirage can now benefit from fine art centers, wildlife and ecology education, and elegant music halls.

The History of Rancho Mirage California

The History of Breckenridge Co

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If your ski vacation this year makes it to beautiful Summit County be sure to visit the most historic gold mining town in Colorado; Breckenridge. With world-class skiing and snowboarding, the four peaks which surround the town are massive but can actually be tamed.

Peak seven, peak eight, peak nine, and peak ten are all around 13,000 feet high. Each peak can be skied if you have the tools and knowledge.

Breckenridge started out as a gold mining town. Hundreds of families and people came to Breckenridge hoping to strike it rich. After the gold boost of the 1800s people had to wait almost 60-years for the white gold otherwise known as snow. Breckenridge gets lots of snow averaging over 200-inches per year. Many of the buildings here are from the historical gold mine era. The Gold Pan bar in Breckenridge used to be a miners bar from the 1800s, it is one of the oldest bars in the state of Colorado. When you walk through the door you will realize the historical significance.

In 1859 gold was discovered along the blue river, and a base camp was set-up, later to be known as Breckenridge. Breckenridge does contain more than 350 different buildings and structures that still remain. This makes Breckenridge one of largest historic districts in Colorado. During the summer time, the locals run Gold Mine Tours which are quite exciting.

In the year 1860, Breckenridge established the first post office which finally put Breckenridge on the national map. In 1882, the railroad arrived in Breckenridge. Today, you can hike up the trail as the old railroad has been removed, the railroad was very much responsible for the growth and wealth of Breckenridge.

Breckenridge, the ski town, was not established until December 16, 1961. On opening day they had one T-bar ski lift and only one-double chair lift on peak 8. With 17,000 customers in there first year, Breckenridge certainly seemed to have a bright future. Breckenridge was the first Colorado resort to allow snowboarding way back in 1984, their acceptance with snowboarders is still there today. In 1985, Breckenridge hosted the first snowboard world-cup and every year since then, they’ve been hosted major winter events.

In 1997, Breckenridge and Keystone were merged with Vail and Beaver Creek to form Vail Ski Resorts. On your next winter or summer vacation, I hope you’re able to make it to historical Breckenridge, Colorado where you are sure to have a good time.

Enjoy your ski vacation in Breckenridge, CO.

The History of Breckenridge Co

Choosing a London Venue with History

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The choice of venue for your event, be it a high profile business event or a private function for family and friends, can either greatly enhance its success or significantly add to its failure.

There are many aspects to consider when booking your ideal venue and, cost aside, the top of your priority list should always include;

Location – a convenient and accessible location for your guests.

Room sizes – and appropriate room layouts to accommodate your guests in comfort.

Ambience – create the right atmosphere – high tech or historical, intimate or wow factor.

Catering – be it a breakfast buffet or an opulent dining experience, ensure your venue can cater for your requirements – especially if the food is prepared off the premises.

Technology – If required, check everything is available to you from broadband to power sockets. For presentations, make sure the view is not obscured.

Lighting and heating – heating should be controllable and some degree of natural light is usually preferred.

Breakout rooms – check that additional space is available should you need it.

Additional facilities – consider the additional requirements of your guests, e.g. availability of overnight accommodation for those travelling a long distance.

Central London offers a multitude of hotels and serviced buildings catering from the smallest groups to the largest conferences and banquets, and although most are efficient and serve their purpose, if youre looking for a unique and affordable venue, rich in history and character, you may have to dig a little deeper.

One example is 41 Portland Place, situated in the heart of Londons West End.

41 Portland Place is a Grade II listed building and in the eighteenth century was the home of Sir Thomas Gage, a leading figure in the American War of Independence (albeit on the losing side!). Sir Thomas Gage was one of the first occupants of the grand new houses in Portland Place, and moved here in 1779, whilst the street was still under construction. He lived in the house until his death in 1787. His widow Margaret continued to do so until 1792.

Although no longer a private residence, 41 Portland Place still retains much of the style and atmosphere of an 18th Century home and is decorated and furnished with antiques from the period. The private rooms are arranged on the ground and first floors with capacities ranging from 2 to 120. One of the first floor dining rooms opens onto an attractive roof terrace.

41 Portland Place is conveniently located in the centre of London and offers a high quality attractive and unique venue for private meetings, training, conferences, seminars, lunches and dinners. Many of the rooms are decorated and furnished to complement the original 18th century architecture of the building.

The quality of the facilities is equalled matched by the high standard of catering provided. From the simplest of buffets to a smart cocktail reception or from relaxed lunches to haute cuisine dinners, the unrivalled standards of service and the minute attention to detail will make for an occasion to savour.

Choosing a London Venue with History

Chita Siberia a Little History

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In 1999, I decided to live a year in the city of Chita, Russia. For those not in the know, Chita is a city in Siberia.

History

The City of Chita is a the administrative center of the Chita Oblast, which is similar to a state. It is located smack dab in the middle of Siberia and is about 500 miles east of Lake Baikal.

From the 1930s through the end of communism, Chita was a closed city. During this period, foreigners were prohibited from traveling to Chita as were many Russians. The basis for the closing of the city was apparently its proximity to China and military installations.

In some circles, Chita is known as the City of Exiles because prominent intellectuals starting with the Decembrist were exiled to the city after failed uprisings in 1825. Despite this informal name, the arrival of the Decembrists was a boon for the city. The well-educated exiles made an effort to educate the citizens of Chita and pursue trade. Through these efforts, the City became a major trading portal in Siberia, particularly since the natural resources of the area included timber, gold and uranium.

Architecturally, Chita is a clash of styles. Foremost, Chita is populated with communist concrete buildings. The apartment buildings are almost universally five stories tall and, frankly, not the most appealing things youve every scene. In contrast to these soviet signatures, Chita is also populated with individual homes made primarily out of wood. The homes are the equivalent of those you would see in any mountainous area and are very comfortable. Clashing with these two styles are a number of buildings in the center of Chita.

During World War II, a significant number of Japanese soldiers were taken by the Russians as prisoners of war. Through whatever machinations present at that time, they were put to work in the construction industry. Yep, you guessed it. In the center of Chita you will find buildings with a definite hint of Japanese style. The buildings are not overtly Japanese, but they definitely differ from the other styles present.

Having lived in the city for a year, I can definitely say it is worth a visit. The Trans-Siberian Railway passes through the city, so access is very easy.

Chita Siberia a Little History

History of Travel

Since the dawn of civilization, man has always wondered what was over the next hill or around the next curve or across the water. I think all of us are born with a little bit of wanderlust a desire for adventure what I call the “Christopher Columbus gene.”

Long before the invention of the wheel, people traveled. Granted, they didn’t travel fast, but they did travel far. They walked. There is proof that ancient tribes migrated according to the weather. Before the wheel was ever invented, ancient people floated or paddled across rivers.

With the invention of the wheel and the subsequent discoveries of uses for the wheel, travel became a little faster and even a little more comfortable. Instead of riding a horse or a mule, people hitched the animals to carts, wagons, and carriages and travel made a giant leap forward.

With the invention of engines and locomotives, travel became even easier and faster. Railway tracks were laid all over the civilized world. People began to travel far and wide. The invention of the “horseless carriage” made travel even easier. As more and more cars were purchased by individuals, more and better highways were built. Soon bridges replaced ferries, and crossing rivers became easier and faster as well.

After the Wright brothers proved that it was possible for man to build a machine that would fly, aviation grew at an amazing rate! The need for airplanes because of wars pushed the aviation industry to find better and better ways to fly.

In the beginning of commercial air travel, only the very, very wealthy could afford to fly but today most people can afford to travel by air.

Air travel has progressed to the point now where we have already flown men to the moon, and we have spacecraft that are penetrating the depths of space. So far these space missions are unmanned, but that won’t always be the case.

Yes, I think that all of mankind has a “Christopher Columbus Gene.” We will never be satisfied until we know what is over the next hill, around the next curve, across the ocean, and on a neighboring planet!

History of Travel