Real Deal History (T or F) #5

Washington Irving

In this new series you will learn more about historical figures than many textbooks care to acknowledge. Last we have Washington Irving, the American writer. These five statements below are either true or false. Before you let your fingers run to Google, try answering these questions by yourself. Answers will be posted in a few days  Have fun and prepare to have your eyes opened.

1. Irving was the first person to refer to New York as "Gotham City".

2. In the story, Rip Van Winkle, Rip goes to sleep for twenty years.

3. Washington Irving gave us the phrase, "The almighty dollar".

4. Irving was born in London but became an American citizen twenty one years later.

5. Irving's 1828 book, A History of the Life and Voyages of Christopher Columbus, created the myth that medieval people thought the world was flat, whereas Columbus believed it was round.

Number 4 is the only false statement.

Bonus facts: In 1842, after an endorsement from Secretary of State Daniel Webster, President John Tyler appointed Irving as Minister to Spain.

The city of Irving, Texas, gives credit to Washington Irving for the town's name.

The town of Knickerbocker, Texas, was founded by two of Irving's nephews who named the town in honor of their uncle's literary pseudonym.