Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
6. Empire State Building
The 103-story skyscraper that is the Empire State Building stands as one of the most iconic
structures in all of New York City. From the ground to the very top of the antenna spire, the
building is a whopping 1,454ft (443m) tall.
The name of this man-made wonder is taken from the nickname for New York, which is the
Empire State. While its place in the records of tallest global buildings has shifted through
the years, today it holds the honor of being the fourth tallest freestanding structure in North
America.
Side Note: The only taller structures North America are the 'One World Trade Center' in
New York which stands at 1792ft/546m, the 'Willis Tower' in Chicago which stands at
1730ft/527m, and the 'John Hancock Center' in Chicago which is 1500ft/457m tall.
The art deco style American icon has very humble beginnings. The site upon which it
proudly stands was once an idyllic farm with a stream running through the property. Through
the years, the area was gradually transformed into one that included the famous Waldorf
Astoria Hotel.
