Steven came in and told us about the "City of Oaks" today!
Raleigh is the capital of the State of North Carolina and the county seat of Wake County, USA. Raleigh is known as the "City of Oaks" for its many oak trees. The city has a population of approximately 374,320, making it the second most populous in North Carolina, after Charlotte. Raleigh is the 15th fastest growing city in the United States and according to City of Raleigh Planning Department's Growth Management Division, Raleigh is the 49th-largest city in the United States.
Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill make up the three primary cities of the Research Triangle metropolitan region. The regional name originated after the 1959 creation of the Research Triangle Park, located midway between the cities of Raleigh and Durham. The Research Triangle region encompasses the U.S. Census Bureau's Combined Statistical Area of Raleigh-Durham-Cary. The estimated population of the Raleigh-Durham-Cary CSA was 1,565,223 as of July 1, 2006, with the Raleigh-Cary Metropolitan Statistical Area portion estimated at 994,551 residents.
During the 1970s and 1980s the I-440 beltline was constructed, easing traffic congestion and providing access to most major roads throughout the city. The first Raleigh Convention Center and Fayetteville Street Mall were both opened in 1977. Fayetteville Street was turned into a pedestrian-only street in hopes it would spur business growth, but the plan was flawed and business declined.
In 1991 the two largest skyscrapers in Raleigh were completed, First Union Capital Center and Two Hanover Plaza. In addition, the Walnut Creek Amphitheatre opened and First Night Raleigh, an annual New Year's Eve celebration, was first celebrated. Two years later, the city suffered a major drought that resulted in Falls Lake, the primary source of water for Raleigh, to reach its all-time low. In 1996, the Olympic Torch spent the night in Raleigh while on its way to the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia and was welcomed with a large celebration. That same year, Hurricane Fran struck the area, causing massive flooding and structural damage. The RBC Center arena opened in 1999 and is now home to the National Hockey League's Carolina Hurricanes and NC State Wolfpack men's basketball team.
Journal:
Sam and I went to see the Hurricane's Game. It was a early game so when it was done we went to the capital building. It was filled with stuff. Some history that was my favorite and Sam's too. It was amazing and beautiful!!
I went biking with Mr. E. It was a beautiful day out. It was a 80 mile bike ride. I loved it , so did Mr. E. We got something to eat every 20 miles. It was super duper fum! It was 70 degrees out, warmer than Minnesota! We are very lucky. It was a special day to me!
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One time Jenna, Josie, Alisa, Josie J, Sydney, Emma and I were walking down the street when all of a sudden we saw people gathering around something. We couldn't believe it but we saw Barrack Obama, Michelle Obama and their two children. We couldn't see because their were many adults standing around them. But good thing their body guards were there or else it would be a disaster.
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Today we went to the bike shop so I can get a bike! We went in and got me a bike. The wheels were old and weak so we tried to get the wheels off. Boom! The wheel flew around and hit Mr. E. in the head. We brought him to the hospital and he had to get stitches.
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