Freedom Tower's Elevator Shows Growth of NYC Skyline Over the Past 500 Years

Next month when the observation deck of the new 1 World Trade Center opens, visitors will be treated to a stunning time-lapse panorama that traces 515 years of history unfolding at the tip of Manhattan Island. The visual journey starts in bedrock, and as it rises, time advances, showcasing the arrival of the Europeans, the British colonial era, and the coming and going of various prominent landmarks of the 19th and 20th century. Also included in the video montage are the events of September 11, 2001, and while there were strong opinions and emotional reactions to its inclusion, planners agreed that it was an important part of New York’s history and it had to be included. Check out a preview of the time lapse above, and be sure to check it out if you are in the New York area.