On May 1, 1931, the Empire State Building officially opened in New York City. At the time of its completion, it was the tallest building in the world, rising 102 stories above Manhattan. The skyscraper became a symbol of American engineering and ambition during the difficult years of the Great Depression. It provided much-needed construction jobs, even though many offices initially sat empty due to the weak economy. Over the years, the building has appeared in countless films, photographs, and travel posters. Its observation decks have attracted millions of visitors from across the United States and around the world. The Empire State Building remains one of the most recognizable landmarks in the country.
