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BUILDINGS AND BRIDGES

The most famous buildings in New York are the gleaming skyscrapers that soar high above the streets of Manhattan. The city also has 65 bridges that link the city’s islands to the mainland and each other. The Flatiron Building The first real skyscraper in New York was the Flatiron Building at Fifth Avenue and 23rd Street. This steel-framed, stone- covered structure was completed in 1902 and is shaped like a long, narrow triangle. It was given its name because many people thought that it looked like an iron. Others think that it is more like the bow (front) of a ship. The building rises 285 feet (87 m) above the ground and has 21 stories.

The strange shape of the Flatiron Building (left) makes the wind rush along the streets below. The spire of the Chrysler Building (right) is made of gleaming stainless steel. The Chrysler Building The Chrysler Building was built for Walter Chrysler, owner of the Chrysler motor car company. Architect William Van Alen designed this 77-story Art Deco masterpiece and used a car theme for many of its special features – for example, its eagle decorations are based on car bonnet mascots. When the 1,046-foot (319-m) skyscraper was finished in 1930, it was the world’s tallest building.

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⌂ The Federal Hall National Memorial stands on the site where George Washington

was sworn in as president. At the entrance is a statue of the great man.

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Major World Cities