Skyline of New York City

The 20th century saw a dramatic change in the New York City's skyline. Skyscrapers challenged the building heights allowed by engineering, specially in the Financial District and in Midtown Manhattan. For most part of the 20th century, New York was home to the world's tallest buildings, including the Singer Building (1908), Woolworth Building (1913), Chrysler Building (1930), Empire State Building (1931) and the Twin Towers of the World Trade Center. Note: 20th century began in 1901.

Manhattan skyline from Jersey City in a vintage postcard by Irving Underhill, postmark 1929. The tallest building (left) is the Woolworth Building, completed in 1913. The 2nd tallest is Singer Building, completed in 1908.