Overview

The skyscraper is one of the most impressive tributes to the twentieth century. These buildings are a celebration of modern technology and innovation. On the other hand, skyscrapers have a pedestrian role—part of zoning and tax law, political squabbles, and real estate battles for control of prime locales. Despite all this, skyscrapers are awe-inspiring. After 1900 in the United States, many cities were transformed as numerous tall buildings appeared on the landscape. Of these, none is more famous than the Empire State Building in New York City, built between 1929 and 1931. Since its construction, the Empire State Building has symbolized the technological prowess and economic strength of the United States.

Background

Tall buildings have captured the imagination of people throughout history, dating back to the obelisks of ancient...