When and where was the first skyscraper built?

Brainy Blonde

The Home Insurance Building in Chicago erected at the northeast corner of LaSalle and Adams streets (on the site now occupied by the west portion of the Field building), is called the first skyscraper. Nine stories and one basement were completed in 1885. Two stories were added in 1891. The architect, Major William Le Baron Jenney, created the first load carrying structural frame, the development of which led to the 'Chicago skeleton' form of construction and the big skyscrapers of later years. http://www.chipublib.org/004chicago/timeline/skyscraper1.html This site lists The RM Hunt: N.Y. Tribune Building, 1873-75 as the first. http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/cas/fnart/fa267/19_sky.html The Tower of Babel, if it even existed, is thought to have been only 295ft in height. Many of those who do believe it existed, now consider it a ziggurat or pyramid that was never built to completion. http://www.geocities.com/myessays/SumerianunitsinSouthAmerica.htm This site gives a comprehensive definition of a skyscraper. http://www.bc.edu/bc_org/avp/cas/fnart/fa267/skydef.html On a bus tour of New York City in 1980, I was told a building must have a certain number of floors or stories (I think it was 75) to be considered a skyscraper. The Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitatat determines that number today. Using that information, many buildings that were considered a skyscraper at one time, no longer are. http://www.lehigh.edu/~inctbuh/inctbuh.html Jan 17 03, 7:13 AM

Create a Free FunTrivia ID to add to, request more/new answers, or edit this entry

Where was the first European skyscraper built and in which year? When and where was the first Topshop built? The Home Insurance Building, built in 1885 in Chicago and considered by some to be the father of the skyscraper was the first building to employ a steel-frame construction. How tall in feet was the building? When was the first U.S. highway built?

1 Built for the Job Most countries have capital cities which have emerged over time for a variety of historical, geographical or political reasons. Some, however, have built new cities to serve as their capitals. How well do you know them? World Capitals Difficult 10 Q alan03 Dec 24 03 3879 plays 2 "CSI" - 7.1- "Built to Kill (1)" Here is the quiz on the first part of the season premiere of season 7 for "CSI"! A woman's murder at Cirque du Soleil transforms the brilliant acrobatics and tricks into a peek at what the tricks really look like. At the end, Catherine's life is at risk. 'CSI Las Vegas': Season 7 Tough 10 Q Zoombini254 May 24 08 690 plays 3 "Futurama" : "A Bicyclops Built For Two" This is the 22nd of my "Futurama" quizzes. This is the episode where Leela meets who she thinks is another cyclops, but he's just a shape shifter. 'Futurama' - Season 2 Tough 10 Q revinevan87 Aug 03 05 750 plays