Last week my family and I toured Lower Manhattan, visiting the home of several of our ancestors. Since it was the first time my two youngest kids visited the city, I thought the best way to see it would be from one of the tallest buildings on earth - the One World Observatory. With a little reluctance, despite the recent Iranian conflict, we embraced our faith in God and Country and spent the day in the same district targeted by terrorists on September 11, 2001.
Located on West Street, between Vesey Street and Fulton Street, the tower is located directly next to the 9/11 Memorial at the World Trade Center. Construction began in 2006 and was completed in 2013. It was opened to the public on November 3, 2014 and the observatory opened on May 29, 2015.
With the spire on top, the building stands 1,776 feet, a deliberate measurement corresponding with the year America gained its independence from Great Britain. Initially it was called the "Freedom Tower", but in 2009, it was officially named "One World Trade Center" or "One WTC".
My absolute favorite part was the elevator ride going up. The walls of the elevator display a time-lapse of the cities growth, from its bedrock foundation, to the time of the early Dutch settlers, and into the present day, similar to a time machine!
If you're interested in watching my very amateur video of our trip, here it is! Subscribe to my YouTube channel while you're there if you haven't already!