1

One World Trade Center

Image: David Vives

At a symbolic 1,776 feet, One World Trade Center proudly stands as America’s tallest building . Rising from the ashes of tragedy, this New York City landmark is a testament to resilience and unity.

Completed in 2014, it has been affectionately nicknamed the "Freedom Tower." Its sleek design features reflective glass that mirrors the sky, creating an ever-changing facade. The building houses offices, observation decks, and a museum dedicated to 9/11. Simply beautiful!

2

Central Park Tower

Image: Mason C

Central Park Tower, the world’s tallest residential building , reaches 1,550 feet into Manhattan’s skyline. Completed in 2020, it’s sometimes called the "Billionaires’ Row Tower" for its ultra-luxury apartments.

This architectural masterpiece offers jaw-dropping views of Central Park and beyond. It’s not just tall; it’s opulent, with a private club, pools, and even its own ballroom. If you’ve ever dreamed of living among the clouds, this is the place to do it (if you can afford it, of course).

3

Willis Tower

Image: Margo

Chicago’s Willis Tower, formerly known as the Sears Tower, was the world’s tallest building for 25 years (we did say there was some friendly competition going on!). Its 1,451-foot height dominates the skyline and has been a beacon of innovation since 1973.

The building’s unique design uses nine bundled tubes for extra stability against those famous Chicago winds. Visitors can step out onto The Ledge, a glass box extending from the 103rd floor, for a heart-pounding view. A true Midwestern marvel!

4

111 West 57th Street

Image: Parrish Freeman

Known as the "Steinway Tower," this ultra-skinny skyscraper is as much art as architecture. Rising 1,428 feet above Manhattan, it’s the thinnest skyscraper in the world and the fourth tallest in our country.

Its design nods to New York’s Jazz Age glamour, blending terracotta details with modern engineering. Completed in 2022, it houses luxury apartments that come with breathtaking views and equally jaw-dropping price tags.

5

One Vanderbilt

Image: Lukas Kyzur

Standing 1,401 feet tall, One Vanderbilt is a relatively new addition to New York City’s skyline. Completed in 2020, it’s located right next to Grand Central Terminal .

The building’s futuristic design is matched by its cutting-edge features, including Summit One Vanderbilt, an immersive observation experience. Its elevators take you to the top in a flash, and once you’re there, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the city.

6

432 Park Avenue

Image: Miikka A.

At 1,396 feet, 432 Park Avenue is all about modern simplicity . Completed in 2015, it is one of the most recognizable buildings in the world.

ts grid-like windows give it a timeless look, but don’t be fooled—the apartments inside scream luxury. With amenities like private dining rooms and a spa, residents live the high life, pun intended! Love it or hate it, you can’t miss it.

7

Trump International Hotel and Tower

Image: Kenny Eliason

Chicago’s Trump Tower, standing 1,388 feet tall, is a gleaming addition to the city’s skyline . Completed in 2009, its reflective surface mirrors the surrounding beauty of the Chicago River.

This skyscraper combines luxury residences, a hotel, and fine dining. Its signature feature is the outdoor terrace, which offers stunning views of the Windy City.

8

30 Hudson Yards

Image: Frank Nürnberger

At 1,268 feet, 30 Hudson Yards is the centerpiece of New York’s futuristic Hudson Yards development.

Completed in 2019, it’s home to The Edge, the Western Hemisphere’s highest outdoor sky deck . The building boasts offices, dining, and even direct access to a luxury mall. Its sleek design symbolizes the city’s constant evolution. It has it all—just like the city itself!

9

Empire State Building

Image: Chris Barbalis

This may not be the tallest, but it certainly is one of the most iconic! The Empire State Building, at 1,250 feet, is a timeless symbol of New York City.

Completed in 1931 during the Great Depression , it was once the world’s tallest building. Its Art Deco design and iconic silhouette have graced countless movies and postcards. The city views it offers are simply unbeatable. No trip to New York is complete without a visit.

10

Bank of America Tower

Image: David Vives

Rising 1,200 feet in Midtown Manhattan, the Bank of America Tower is a green marvel. It was completed in 2010 and is one of the world’s most eco-friendly skyscrapers .

It uses innovative technology to reduce energy consumption and even collects rainwater. With its sharp, crystalline design, it looks as modern as its environmental features. This tower shows that sustainability and style can go hand in hand. Who knew going green could look so good?

11

St. Regis Chicago

Image: Andrew LaDeur

At 1,191 feet, the St. Regis Chicago adds a touch of elegance to the city’s skyline. Completed in 2020, its design is inspired by a flowing river , with undulating glass panels that shimmer in the sunlight. It’s a mix of hotel and residential spaces, with luxury oozing from every corner.

The building’s unique silhouette stands out in the architectural playground that is Chicago. If beauty were a competition, this skyscraper would be a top contender.

12

Aon Center

Image: Erol Ahmed

The Aon Center, at 1,136 feet, is a classic fixture in Chicago’s skyline. Built in 1973, it was originally clad in white marble, though granite replaced it later for durability. Its clean, rectangular design exudes timeless elegance.

Home to offices and observation areas , it’s a favorite among architecture lovers. You know how they are all about simplicity— the ultimate form of sophistication!

1

A Presidential curse

For almost 140 years, U.S. presidents elected in years ending in zero died while in office. It happened to William Henry Harrison (elected in 1840, died in 1841), Abraham Lincoln (elected in 1860, died in 1865), James A. Garfield (elected in 1880, died in 1881), William McKinley (re-elected in 1900, died in 1901), Warren G. Harding (elected in 1920, died in 1923), Franklin D. Roosevelt (elected to a third term in 1940 and a fourth in 1944, died in 1945), and John F. Kennedy (elected in 1960, died in 1963). Ronald Reagan, elected in 1980, broke the curse by surviving an assassination attempt.

2

Mark Twain and Halley’s Comet

In the year Mark Twain was born, 1835, Halley’s Comet passed by Earth. The great writer famously predicted he’d "go out with it" as well . Indeed, he passed away in 1910, the next time the comet appeared.

3

Jefferson and Adams

A patriotic yet somber coincidence, indeed. John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, the second and third U.S. presidents, both died on July 4, 1826 —exactly 50 years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence.

4

Hoover Dam’s first and last casualties

The construction of the Hoover Dam was a long and difficult process, claiming over 100 lives. The first person to die was J.G. Tierney , and the last recorded death was his son , Patrick Tierney.

5

Lincoln and Kennedy

Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy were elected 100 years apart (1860 and 1960). Both suffered fatal head wounds and were succeeded by presidents named Johnson. Their assassins each had three names: John Wilkes Booth and Lee Harvey Oswald. Both were assassinated on a Friday while sitting next to their wives at the time that it happened.

6

The Titanic coincidence

A few years before the Titanic sank, Morgan Robertson wrote a short book called Futility , about a massive "unsinkable" ship called the Titan that hit an iceberg and sank. The tale describes a ship with a similar size and a similar lack of lifeboats to the famous vessel.

7

Dennis the Menace

Two comic strips featuring a character named Dennis the Menace debuted in British and American outlets, respectively, on March 12, 1961—only a few hours apart. However, the two creators did not know each other and had no idea of the other’s work.

8

Jim Lewis and Jim Springer

Identical twin brothers separated at birth , Jim Lewis and Jim Springer, were reunited at age 39 and discovered many coincidences: both married women named Linda , divorced, and then remarried women named Betty. Both had dogs named Toy and drove the same model of car. Both grew up with an adopted brother named Larry and had sons whom they named James Allan.

9

Disney magic

A soon-to-be-married couple, Alex and Donna , were looking through old photos to include in their wedding video. They found one photo of Donna posing on a childhood trip to Disney World in 1980. And in the background, they spotted Alex being pushed in a stroller by his father.

10

Moped meets taxi, twice

In 1975, 17-year-old Erskine Lawrence Ebbin was struck by a taxi in Bermuda while riding his moped. A year later, his brother Neville , also 17 at the time, was riding the same moped when he was struck by the same taxi —with the same passenger—on the same street.

11

Lightning strike survivor

Being hit by lightning is an extremely rare occurrence. Park ranger Roy Sullivan was struck not once, but seven times between 1942 and 1977 —and survived them all. The strikes hit him in a fire tower, in his truck, in his yard, while patrolling, and more. His unusual record earned him the nickname "Human Lightning Rod."

1

Lewis and Clark (1804–1806)

Image: Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

Everybody knows about Lewis and Clark and their glorious quest across the nation, but what most don’t know is that they originally set out to find a continuous water route, the fabled Northwest Passage, from the Mississippi River to the Pacific Ocean. Commissioned by President Jefferson, the journey was meant to open up western trade routes.

Although they reached the Pacific, they confirmed that no such navigable waterway existed. Their journey was a landmark of exploration, but their primary goal remained unaccomplished .

2

Lady Franklin Bay Expedition (1881–1884)

Image: David BP

The 1881 Adolphus Greely-led expedition aimed to establish a scientific research station in the high Arctic and gather meteorological and astronomical data as part of the First International Polar Year.

But two relief ships failed to reach them due to ice. Stranded for over two years, only 7 of 25 men survived. While some data was collected, the mission was a logistical and human failure .

3

Frederick A. Cook (1908)

Image: Roxanne Desgagnés

American explorer Frederick Cook claimed he reached the North Pole in 1908, beating Robert Peary by a year. His announcement stirred immediate controversy and public excitement.

However, Cook failed to provide verifiable proof, and his claim was largely discredited . He also falsely claimed the first ascent of Denali. His goals, while grand, were never validated .

4

Amelia Earhart (1937)

Image: Shaun Bell

Amelia Earhart sought to be the first woman to fly around the world along the equator. Her journey was a bold attempt to push the limits of aviation and global navigation.

Tragically, she vanished over the Pacific near Howland Island. Despite massive search efforts, neither she nor her plane was found. Her historic goal remains unfulfilled .

5

USS Jeannette Expedition (1879–1881)

Image: Hector John Periquin

The Jeannette Expedition set out to reach the North Pole via the Bering Strait, based on a theory that a warm current could carry ships through the ice.

Instead, the ship was trapped and crushed by ice. The crew made a desperate trek across Siberia, with many dying from exposure and starvation. The pole was never reached , and the voyage ended in tragedy.

6

Crocker Land Expedition (1913–1917)

Image: Annie Spratt

Backed by Robert Peary’s reports, this expedition aimed to locate "Crocker Land," a supposed Arctic landmass seen on a prior voyage.

After weeks of travel, they discovered it was a mirage. The team was stranded for years due to failed rescue attempts. Their quest failed because the land never existed .

7

American Karakoram Expedition (1953)

Image: Daniel Born

Led by Charles Houston, the expedition aimed to be the first to summit K2, the world’s second-highest mountain after Everest. The team climbed high and established advanced camps.

Trapped by a severe storm, they made a heroic retreat. One climber died, and the summit remained out of reach . Their attempt was noble, but ultimately unsuccessful.

8

Ziegler Polar Expedition (1903–1905)

Image: ArcticDesire.com Polarreisen

The abundance of Arctic expeditions on this list is not a coincidence. This area is tough to traverse, and much of it remains unknown. This particular expedition sought to reach the North Pole via Franz Josef Land. The crew wintered in the Arctic with supplies and dogs for the attempt.

Severe ice and harsh conditions thwarted their progress. They were stranded for two years and never neared the pole. Though most survived, the mission failed in its main goal .

9

Zebulon Pike (1805)

Image: Mathew Benoit

In 1805, Army officer Zebulon Pike was tasked with exploring the headwaters of the Mississippi River. The goal was to identify its true source and assert U.S. presence in the newly acquired Louisiana Territory.

Facing poor maps, freezing conditions, and supply shortages, Pike never reached the actual source . Though he gathered useful data, the mission failed to meet its primary objective.

10

American China-Everest ’82 Expedition (1982)

Image: Andreas Gäbler

Led by Lou Whittaker, this team aimed to summit Mount Everest via the remote Chinese (Tibetan) side, which was an unusual and challenging route for American climbers at the time.

Despite significant progress, they turned back just 1,500 feet from the top due to difficult conditions. The summit remained unreached .