Skyscraper

People can only spread out so much before it becomes necessary to stack themselves on top of each other. Soon after the turn of the 20th century, as their operations became larger and more complex, leaders of business and industry needed the additional office space and advantages in location that only tall buildings can provide. After the advent of the wind-braced steel frame, brave construction workers climbed to unparalleled heights all over America, most often in New York and Chicago, to construct the first skyscrapers. In addition to logistical advantages, tall buildings served public relations purposes, presenting an image that would make them memorable and entertain urban crowds (cases in point include the Big Apple's Woolworth Building, regarded by many historians as the first skyscraper, and the Windy City's former Sears now Willis Tower). Skyscrapers also legitimized and symbolized the power of companies equipped to set up shop in such impressive structures.