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1. On a clear day, how many states can you see from the top of the Empire State Building?
On clear days visitors can see the surrounding countryside for distances up to 80 miles, looking into the neighboring states of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut and Massachusetts, as well as New York.
2. Which building did the Empire State replace as the tallest in the world?
The Empire State Building Replaced the Chrysler building as the tallest in the world. The Woolworth building, at 790 ft., became the world's tallest building in 1914. It was overtaken in 1929 by the Bank of Manhattan, and then in 1930 by the Chrysler Building. The reign of the Chrysler Building was brief. Neighboring ground was already being prepared for the Empire State Building.
3. Does the Empire State Building get hit by lightning?
Yes, the building is designed to serve as a lightning rod for the surrounding area - it is struck by lightning about 100 times per year.
4. Does the Empire State Building move or sway?
The Empire State Building does not sway, it gives. With a wind of 110 miles an hour, the Building gives 1.48 inches. Movement off center is never greater than one quarter inch, thus measurable movement is only one half inch, one quarter inch on either side.
5. How many bricks in the Empire State Building?
There are roughly 10 million bricks and 200,000 cubic feet of Indiana limestone.
6. How many people did it take to build the ESB?
At its peak, there were 3,000 men at work at one time, among them 255 carpenters, 290 bricklayers, 384 brick laborers, 107 derrick men, 285 steel men, 249 elevator installers, 105 electricians, 192 plumbers, 194 heating and ventilating men, trade specialists, inspectors, checkers, foremen, clerks, and water boys.
7. How many steps to the top?
There are 1,860 steps from street level to the 102nd floor.
8. How tall is the Empire State Building?
The building is 1,453 feet, 8 9/16 inches or 443.2 meters to the top of the lightning rod.
9. How much does the building weigh?
The approximate weight 365,000 tons.
10. Why is New York City called The Big Apple?
"The Big Apple" has been used since the 1920's and 30's by people in the entertainment and sports world, and particularly jazz musicians, as a way of saying, I've made it, I've hit the big time, I'm playing in New York City!" or "The bright and shining apple at the top of the success tree." In 1971, Charles Gillett, then president of the New York Convention & Visitors Bureau, created and launched The Big Apple Campaign. It turned out to be the world's most famous and effective city tourism promotion, and was instrumental in building New York City's current tourism boom. The term "The Big Apple" had only been known in certain circles before that campaign.
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