New York City, 2018.
This place has such an interesting name. “Hell Gate Bridge” makes me want to dive into the history of this location, because it sounds so dramatic.
So, why not? Let’s see what WordPress’s AI has to say about it. I’ve never used it before and this seems like a good opportunity to try it out.
The Hell Gate Bridge, completed in 1916, spans the Hell Gate, a tidal strait in the East River between Queens and the Bronx. Its dramatic name is derived from the Old Dutch term “Hellegat,” meaning “bright strait.” The name was originally used to describe the area’s treacherous waters, known for their strong currents and the rocky landscape. Over time, “Hell Gate” evolved into a name that evokes a sense of danger, contributing to the bridge’s imposing identity. Historically, the area has been a significant location for shipping and transportation, making the Hell Gate Bridge a vital link in New York City’s infrastructure.
WordPress AI
Hm. Even the AI thinks the name is pretty dramatic. But that summary is pretty on the nose and anticlimactic. I did ask for a short summary, though. At some point, I need to read through Gotham: A History of New York to 1898 by Edwin G Burrows and Mike Wallace and its sequel. I have both books, well, as audiobooks anyway but I’ve been keeping them on the backburner for years. I keep getting caught up in fantasy and science fiction series, like Fourth Wing, which was recommended by a coworker, and He Who Fights With Monsters, a litrpg series. Litrpg is kind of niche, but I like that it’s the equivalent of reading an MMO video game, which is a genre that I no longer have the time to commit to.
When I was in college I took at least one history class that involved New York City, albeit tangentially. It was about immigration to North America and New York City played a pretty big role in that. I know I learned quite a bit more in that course, but after 12 years what I remember most at this point is that the red light district followed Broadway north as the city expanded. At some point, that movement seems to have gotten stuck around Times Square, because I distinctly remember being a kid in the early 90’s and looking out the window at XXX Peep Show neon signs right across the street from the Olive Garden. Coming to New York City to visit family back then really felt like visiting the city of sin.
I’m hoping the Gotham book series includes more than statistics and dry facts. I want to read real stories about New York history. I want the gossip and drama. That being said, if you have any interest in New York history and are looking for some historical fiction in video form, I recommend a show called Five Points and a movie (which is a classic) named Gangs of New York.
Bradley's Old Fashioned Weblog 