The Hidden History of the Empire State Building

🗽The Empire State Building is the first of the seven modern wonders of America and surpasses its ancient predecessors in height.

🏢The distinctive spire of the Empire State Building was added late in the design process and contributes to its iconic status.

🤔The spire was believed to have been added for docking giant airships, but it was later deemed unsafe due to strong updrafts and unpredictable gusts.

🌆The Empire State Building's spire allowed it to surpass other tall buildings in New York, including the Chrysler Building.

📰The construction of the tallest building in the world provided significant free publicity for the Empire State Building.

What is the significance of the Empire State Building?

—The Empire State Building is the first of the seven modern wonders of America and is known for its record-breaking height.

Why was the spire added to the Empire State Building?

—The spire was added to make the Empire State Building taller than its rival buildings in New York and to generate free publicity.

Were airships able to dock at the Empire State Building?

—Airships attempted to dock at the Empire State Building's spire, but it was found to be unsafe due to strong winds.

How did the Empire State Building contribute to the rivalry among tall buildings in New York?

—By adding the spire, the Empire State Building surpassed other buildings, including the Chrysler Building, in height.

What impact did the Empire State Building have on publicity?

—Constructing the tallest building in the world provided significant free publicity for the Empire State Building.

00:01The Empire State Building is the first of the seven modern wonders of America and surpasses its ancient predecessors in height.

01:32The spire of the Empire State Building was a late addition and contributes to its iconic status.

02:04The spire was initially believed to have been added for docking giant airships, but it was later deemed unsafe due to strong updrafts and gusts.

03:08The Empire State Building's spire allowed it to surpass other tall buildings in New York, including the Chrysler Building.

06:00Constructing the tallest building in the world provided significant free publicity for the Empire State Building.