New York, NY - Empire State Building Turns 75

New York, NY - One of the city's most famous landmarks, the Empire State Building, is celebrating It opened in 1931 during America's Great Depression and took just 13 months to construct.

For 40 years, it was the world's tallest building until the World Trade Center was built and is once again New York City's highest structure.

More than 3,000 workers were employed in its construction which provided jobs during a time of great unemployment.

Fourteen immigrant workers were killed during the operation.

The building's spire was originally supposed to be a mooring point for air ships, but the idea was quickly abandoned as dangerous.

The building was in the headlines just last week after a man attempted to parachute from the 86th floor.

Tonight, the lights will be white just as they were when the building first opened for business.