Skyscrapers
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    The invention of the hydraulic elevator in 1852 by Elisha Graves Otis and Henry Bessemer's process for mass-producing steel in 1855 facilitated the construction of tall buildings, or "skyscrapers."  George Fuller's Tacoma Building, completed in Chicago in 1889, was the first structure where the outside walls did not carry the weight of the building.  Fuller's company also built the New York Flatiron Building in 1902.  Chicago became the birthplace of the modern skyscraper following the fire of 1871 that eradicated much of the city and necessitated its rebuilding.  The word "skyscraper" did not begin as applying to tall buildings.  According to Eric Nash in New York's 50 Best Skyscrapers, it originally referred to a tall horse or ship.   In order to showcase these works of art (for they are that, in addition to their utility), they are presented as examples of various architectural "schools" or styles or, in the case of Post-Modernism, examples of non-schools and non-styles.  (I note that different sources sometimes list different styles or even facts, such as the number of stories).  Where appropriate, I have cited sources for quoted material, and also for further reading. 

     One intriguing building form that includes some skyscrapers is the Flatiron Building, featured separately on this site.  Click on Flatiron Buildings for images and text.

All text and images copyright (c) 1999-2006 Steven M. Richman.  All rights reserved.