Soaring to a height of 1,454 feet (443.2 meters), this 102-story skyscraper held the title of the world's tallest for close to four decades after its completion in 1931. Despite being surpassed in height, the Empire State Building remains one of the United States' best-known and most iconic modern wonders. The building's Art Deco design is the work of the architect William F. Lamb, who drew up the plans over a mere two weeks using the Reynolds Building in Winston-Salem as a template. Replete with stunning architectural details best showcased by the lavish lobby, the Empire State Building is a splendid jewel of the Art Deco variety. The highlights of the Empire State Building are its two observation decks, perched on the 86th and 102nd floors of the building. From here, awe-inspiring views of New York City await, the vista transforming from a sun-dappled, urban landscape by day to a glittering sea of lights by night. Often, the tower's lofty pinnacle is lit up in myriad colors to celebrate various special occasions and anniversaries throughout the year, accompanied by spectacular light shows that are visible for miles around.
New York's Grand Central Terminal, often inaccurately referred to as the Grand Central Station, is one of Midtown Manhattan's most resplendent architectural jewels and one of the busiest terminals in the world. Completed in 1913, the majestic Beaux-Arts beauty is richly embellished, its interiors a love affair with marble, while the ornamented facade is topped by The Glory of Commerce - a riveting sculpture that depicts Mercury, Hercules and Minerva overlooking the city from a lofty perch, the world's largest Tiffany-stained glass clock at their feet. Painted constellations arch above the iconic main hall, featured in any number of movies, its vaulted ceilings an awe-inspiring sight. Today, the building also houses chic shops and a dining concourse, alongside platforms that cater to commuter, intercity and rapid transport trains, attracting commuters and tourists in equal measure.
This massive cathedral, situated across from Rockefeller Center on Fifth Avenue is regarded as one of the largest Catholic cathedrals in the United States. With its soaring 140-foot (43 meters) spires, St. Patrick's Cathedral is also one of the city's most spectacular architectural sights. Construction on the neo-gothic structure had started in 1850 and completed in 1878. Inside, it boasts of numerous altars and stained glass windows, and a giant organ with over 7,300 pipes. Services are held throughout the day, and many New Yorkers stop in for a moment of serenity in their otherwise hectic lives.
In 1754 a Church of England minister was made the first president of what was then known as King's College. After the Revolutionary War, it was renamed Columbia University. In 1897 this Ivy League school moved to its present location; the notable faculty has included over 50 Nobel laureates. Notable buildings include the Low Library, which is built in a Roman Pantheon styleit houses offices and the visitor center. Organized tours are arranged or visitors can take a brochure and look on their own.
Ever wondered who was buried in Grant's Tomb? The General Grant National Monument a historical landmark is dedicated to Ulysses S. Grant, the Civil War general and United States president. Both the general and his wife are buried in the grandiose white marble structure, located next to the Hudson River in serene Riverside Park. The tomb underwent a renovation in 1997 for its centennial year. Despite its famous inhabitant, the monument is hardly ever crowded.
Hamilton Grange National Memorial is the home of the famed statesman on the $10 bill, Alexander Hamilton. It was built in 1802, and unfortunately Hamilton only lived in the house for two years before he lost that fateful duel against Mr. Aaron Burr in 1804. In 1889, the home was moved to 287 Convent Avenue in order to conform to Manhattan's street grid, however the grange was moved again in 2006 to escape its claustrophobic confines on this avenue and to restore many of the original accoutrements. It now sits at 426 W. 141st St. (in St. Nicholas Park) and has been designated as a National Historic Landmark. People today can see the first floor of the house and learn more about the early 19th Century in the visitor's center.