The History of the World Trade Center

The original World Trade Center was a 16-acre complex in New York City, comprising seven buildings that housed more than 430 businesses from around the world. The Twin Towers, two 110-story skyscrapers at the World Trade Center, dominated the Manhattan skyline for three decades before their destruction in 2001. Although initially criticized for their audacious height and severe architectural style, the buildings took on iconic status in the public imagination, becoming emblematic of New York City and America as a whole.

Their fame and symbolism made the Twin Towers the targets of two terrorist attacks. The first took place on February 26, 1993, when a van loaded with approximately 1,200 pounds of explosives was detonated in the public parking garage beneath the World Trade Center. The second took place on September 11, 2001, when members of the terrorist group al-Qaeda flew two hijacked planes into the buildings, leading to their collapse.

Primary Sources

These primary sources include speeches, executive orders, legislative acts and debates, and government reports. 

History of the Port Authority of NY & NJ

Program from the World Trade Center dedication ceremony on April 4, 1973

List of World Trade Center tenants

Suggested Reading List

Related Resources

These related resources include lesson plans, past public programs, and feature galleries on Inside the Collection.