8. One of the most unusual symbols hidden in U.S. landmarks is the constellations on the ceiling of Grand Central Station
Cornelius Vanderbilt, the head of the obscenely wealthy Vanderbilt family who supervised the development of Grand Central Station, was sure that the stars gracing the Main Concourse ceiling were purposefully painted backward.
According to the Grand Central website, his justification is that the ceiling was intended to be viewed “from a divine perspective” and not a human one. Too bad there isn’t a divine solution to the station’s traffic that can diminish the crowds!
7. Lampposts from Central Park hide secret navigational codes
Ah, oops! This might be one of those worthwhile symbols hidden in U.S. landmarks that must be mentioned and explained in our article. Unknown to most people, the lampposts in Central Park in New York City have a code that indicates roughly where you are about the rest of the city.
In essence, they are metal plaques with engraved cross streets. Let’s say a lampost with the number 7304 engraved on you will automatically know it’s located between 73rd and 74th streets. The number 4 indicates that the post is located four posts within Fifth Avenue. The “1” is deleted between 105th and 106th streets, for example, if street numbers are 100 and higher in the upper parts of the park.
One Response
Need to correct the birthday of Elihu Yale. Very interesting reading.